From watching Djokovic win 1st Slam to sending his idol home: Mariano Navone's story
Mariano Navone stunned childhood idol Novak Djokovic in a dramatic five-set US Open opener, earning the biggest win of his career. The 25-year-old Argentine’s journey began at a local club aged three before five Challenger titles helped shape his rise. Known as “La Navoneta”, Navone’s dream became reality as he beat the player he once called “very special”.
Mariano Navone, a 25-year-old Argentine tennis player, stunned the world by defeating tennis legend Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open. The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes, with Navone emerging victorious in a grueling five-set battle. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had been battling physical discomfort and frustration throughout the match.
Navone, who has idolized Djokovic since childhood, described the experience as surreal and called it "unbelievable" and "a dream come true." The Argentine's rise to fame began in his local tennis club in Argentina, where he spent countless hours playing matches with his family and friends from a young age. Navone's breakthrough came at the Rio Open in 2023, where he secured a victory over Cameron Norrie to reach the final.
This accomplishment catapulted him into the world's top 100 rankings and solidified his status as a rising star in the tennis world.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
