Who Is Mariano Navone? Argentine Star Behind Novak Djokovic’s US Open Shock

New Delhi, August 31: Mariano Navone sent seismic shockwaves across the tennis world after he managed to outwit Novak Djokovic in a gruelling four-and-a-half-hour battle. The Serbian, who was struggling physically with pain, fought through physical agony and went down 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, ending Novak’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

“It’s amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT. I’m very happy. I don’t know, what can I say?” Navone said after the win against Djokovic.

Interestingly, the last time Djokovic lost a first-round match at a Grand Slam was to Paul Goldstein during the 2006 Australian Open.

US Open: How Was Djokovic’s Game?

Interestingly, throughout the game, warning signs were there that Novak would make his trademark ‘comeback’ which he is known for throughout the circuit. The fourth seed was riding on the confidence that he had not lost in the first round of a Grand Slam since 2006.

Even when Djokovic let slip a break advantage at 2-1 in the fourth set and needed a decider, history was still on the side of the Serbian. Novak was 42-12 in five-set matches, while Navone was 0-4. The Argentine was just 12-29 in tour-level matches on hard courts.

However, age got the better of Djokovic at 39 years and he was unable to break his path forth. Over four hours and 36 minutes, the 101-time tour-level champion struggled with his movement and vomited several times. After holding serve in the opening game of the fifth set to trail 1-3, Djokovic became emotional behind the baseline as the crowd roared in an effort to lift him back into the match.

On match point, Navone chased down a drop volley and guided the ball into the open court before sharing a warm embrace at the net with a gracious Djokovic shortly before midnight. The ATP No. 1 Club member then paused to sign several autographs as he made his way off the court.

But who is Mariano Navone, the Argentine rising star who has wreaked havoc in the circuit?

All You Need To Know About Mariano Navone

Born 300 kms interior from the capital, Buenos Aires, in Nueve de Julio, Mariano Navone was born to parents Luis Navone and Analia Vizzon. Navone also has two sisters, Lucia and Pilar. Mariano developed an interest from a very young age, at three, and began honing his skills at the Escuela de Tenis del Club Atlético Nueve de Julio during his early days.

Subsequently, he made his professional debut in 2021, and within 2 years he established himself in the ATP circuit, making it to the top 125 after winning five ATP Challenger singles titles in 2023. A year later, Navone became the first player in Grand Slam history to make his debut as a seeded (31st) player in a main draw of a Grand Slam at the 2024 French Open.

Navone recorded his first Grand Slam victory at the 2024 US Open, where he defeated Daniel Altmaier in four sets. His best Grand Slam performance before the 2026 US Open came at the 2025 French Open, where he overcame Rinky Hijikata and Riley Opelka to reach the third round. His campaign eventually ended with a defeat to Lorenzo Musetti.

One of Navone’s notable Grand Slam victories came at the 2025 Wimbledon, where he stunned 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in the opening round with a four-set win. However, his run came to an end in the next round after he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Pedro Martinez.

Though the