Mariano Navone provided the perfect response to tennis legend John McEnroe by beating former world No. 6 and Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in four sets in the second round of the US Open. Navone was targeted by McEnroe after progressing past Novak Djokovic, handing the Serbian his first opening round Grand Slam loss in two decades.
The 24-time major champion vomited on the court as Navone came from behind to win 7-6(5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1. It marked the first time the Argentinian had won a five-setter or beaten a top-10 player at a major before.
Navone also became the first man ever to beat Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open and had plenty to celebrate following his achievement. But McEnroe caused uproar with his comments following the match.
As Navone headed to his bench and signed some tennis balls to hit into the crowd at Flushing Meadows, McEnroe appeared to make a dig. Speaking over the footage, he said: “You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best.”
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But Navone has continued his crusade through the tournament by achieving another upset against Berrettini on court 12. The 25-year-old withstood the Italian's fine serving to come from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.
He next faces compatriot and 27-seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round of action on Friday. Etcheverry dispatched British hope Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to earn his place against Navone, who has never advanced beyond the third round in any Grand Slam event.
Speaking following his victory over Djokovic, World No. 49 Navone expressed his joy. "[It] was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this court," he said.
"For sure, it's the best thing I've had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It's amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets.
"I'm very happy. I don't know. What can I say?"
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Former US tennis star Andy Roddick has pushed back at fans who have claimed that Djokovic, 39, should consider retiring from the sport.
"Shut up," he said. "He can make that decision. He's in on his own entry. He's made the semis more often than not recently. We don't get a say in it. Everyone chooses their own path."
Roddick believes that Djokovic's body did give out on him against Navone, however. "His body wasn't physically able to go anymore," he said.
"It wasn't a matter of willpower, it wasn't a matter of pushing through, it wasn't a matter of pacing himself or picking the right moment. His body simply gave out. He threw up. it looked like there were some cramps. it looked like his back, hip, something gave out, as well. He's 39. His body gave out tonight."