What to Know About Mariano Navone After Historic Upset vs. Novak Djokovic at US Open Tennis 2026

Mariano Navone notched the biggest victory of his career by upsetting Novak Djokovic in five sets, 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, in the opening round of the U.S. Open.

"[It] was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this court," he said after the match, per ESPN.com. "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?"

Navone entered the tournament as the No. 49 men's player in the world and sported a 21-20 record.

The 25-year-old cut his teeth on the ATP Challenger Tour before finally winning his first ATP Tour tournament in April. He took down Daniel Mèrida in the final of the Țiriac Open.

"It's a very long process," Navone said at the time to Grant Thompson of the ATP Challenger's official site. "When you are growing up in the sport, you see that it's not an easy job. Now I'm 25, and I dreamed of it from five or six years old, so 20 years later!"

Navone, a native of Argentina, added that he spent the bulk of his youth competing on clay courts. It wasn't until 2021 that he began playing seriously on hard courts, putting him at an obvious disadvantage to his peers.

Djokovic was visibly pained during Sunday's match. He experienced gastric distress along with back and shoulder discomfort, which undoubtedly played a role in the outcome.

But Navone didn't let himself get overawed by the occasion or his opponent. He saved eight break-point opportunities and had half as many unforced errors (34) as Djokovic (70). He played the game he needed in order to survive.

Navone is now into the second round of the U.S. Open for the second time in three years. He has never advanced beyond the third round in any Grand Slam event. He awaits the winner of Monday's clash between Matteo Berrettini and 2016 U.S. Open champion Stan Wawrinka.