John McEnroe faces backlash after comments on Navone’s US Open win
John McEnroe has been criticised by tennis fans following his comments about Mariano Navone after the Argentine stunned Novak Djokovic at the US Open, reports BritPanorama.
Navone produced the greatest victory of his career on Sunday, defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion across five gruelling sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No 49 prevailed 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after Djokovic struggled with serious physical problems and vomited into a bin during the contest. An emotional Djokovic was also reduced to tears during the deciding set as his hopes of winning a record-breaking 25th major title dramatically collapsed.
Yet the historic result was followed by controversy when McEnroe discussed what could be next for Navone. The seven-time Grand Slam champion jokingly suggested the 25-year-old would be moved away from the tournament’s show courts despite defeating one of the greatest players in tennis history. “He will be playing his second round on Court 21,” McEnroe said during his commentary. “We wish you the best. And he is going to have to play with that effort and intensity, but enjoy the moment, young man.”
There is no Court 21 at Flushing Meadows, with McEnroe exaggerating to make a point about the difference in profile between Navone and Djokovic. However, several viewers were unimpressed by his delivery and accused the former world No 1 of failing to give the Argentine sufficient credit. “McEnroe was disrespectful to Navone from the beginning,” one fan wrote on X.
A third supporter called for McEnroe to be removed from his commentary position, writing: “McEnroe proves again and again why it’s time for him to go.” The fallout from the match was highlighted as Navone’s victory created one of the biggest shocks in recent US Open history. Djokovic had not lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, while he had never previously suffered a first-round defeat in New York.
The 39-year-old was considered a leading contender for the title after world No 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew through injury and Carlos Alcaraz arrived at Flushing Meadows following fitness concerns of his own. Instead, Djokovic’s latest pursuit of an unprecedented 25th major ended on the opening night. The Serbian revealed afterwards that vomiting and other physical symptoms have affected him throughout the year. “I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said.
“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. You know, vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body, you know, starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.”
In the world of sport, unexpected results often stir up as much commentary as the action itself — a reminder that what happens off the court can overshadow the achievements on it.
