Tennis commentator John McEnroe has drawn criticism from fans for remarks made to Mariano Navone after the Argentine player's unexpected victory over Novak Djokovic in the first round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. As Navone celebrated his career-best win, McEnroe stated on the ESPN broadcast, "You'll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best." This comment alluded to the likelihood that Navone's subsequent match would not be held on a prominent stadium court.
Fans took to social media platform X to express their disapproval of McEnroe's remarks, with one user calling his attitude toward Navone "despicable from the jump." Another commenter noted that McEnroe had been "disrespectful to Navone from the beginning," citing comments made during the first set where McEnroe allegedly said Navone was a good opponent for Djokovic because he would not challenge him. The same user suggested that former players Chris Eubanks or John Isner would be better commentators.
Navone secured a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory against Djokovic. This marked Djokovic's earliest exit from a Grand Slam event since the 2006 Australian Open. The 2026 U.S. Open is also notable as the first Grand Slam tournament since the 2003 French Open to not have any of the "Big 3" players—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic—advance to the second round.
"It means a lot," Navone said after the match. "It is a dream come true, certainly." The 25-year-old Argentine player celebrated enthusiastically with his team after the match, which concluded shortly before midnight. Navone is scheduled to play Matteo Berretini or Stan Wawarinka in the second round.