Navone Upsets Djokovic, McEnroe’s Comments Stir Controversy

John McEnroe didn’t hold back in bringing Mariano Navone back to reality shortly after the young player achieved his biggest career win.

In a stunning five-set match at the U.S. Open, the 25-year-old Argentine overcame 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. As Navone signed tennis balls for fans in the Arthur Ashe crowd, McEnroe remarked, “You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best.”

This comment highlighted the fact that Navone’s next match would likely take place away from the spotlight of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

McEnroe added, “He’s going to have to try to play with that effort and intensity, but enjoy the moment, young man,” during the ESPN broadcast.

The former tennis pro turned commentator faced criticism from fans for his remarks throughout the match.

One user on social media stated, “McEnroe’s entire attitude towards Navone was despicable from the jump.” Another person echoed this, saying, “McEnroe was disrespectful to Navone from the start. In the first set, he said how great of an opponent Navone is for Djokovic because he won’t challenge him at all,” calling McEnroe a “tired act.”

Another commenter suggested that perhaps players like Chris Eubanks or John Isner would be better suited for commentary in the future.

Navone’s victory came with a scoreline of 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, marking an unexpected early exit for Djokovic from a Grand Slam—his first since 2006 at the Australian Open.

This 2026 U.S. Open stands out as the first Grand Slam since Roland Garros in 2003 that doesn’t feature any member of the “Big 3”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Djokovic—in the second round.

“It means a lot,” said a beaming Navone. “It is a dream come true, certainly.”

He was seen joyfully celebrating with his team after the match, which concluded just minutes before midnight local time.

Navone is set to face either Matteo Berretini or the 41-year-old Stan Wawrinka in the second round.