Just In: John McEnroe told to quit after controversial comments on Novak Djokovic’s US Open rival
John McEnroe has sparked backlash after handing Mariano Navone a bruising reality check after he stunned Novak Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open. The 24-time Major champion lost his opening match at a Slam for the first time in two decades and vomited on the court as Navone battled back to win 7-6(5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1.
It was a huge milestone for Navone, who had never won a five-setter or beaten a top-10 player at a Major before. He also became the first man ever to beat Djokovic in the opening round here. But McEnroe has been accused of “disrespecting” the world No. 49 with his commentary on American TV.
After Navone caused a seismic upset in New York, he headed to his bench and signed some tennis balls to hit into the crowd. Speaking over the footage, the seven-time Grand Slam champion said: “You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best.”
McEnroe’s comments quickly went viral on social media as users called him out. A clip was even shared on the ‘Awful Announcing’ account on X (formerly known as Twitter), and fans didn’t hold back with their reactions.
“McEnroe was disrespectful to Navone from the beginning. In the first set he says how great of an opponent Navone is for Djokovic because he won’t challenge him at all. Dude is a tired act, [Chris] Eubanks or [John] Isner would be significantly better on the call moving forward,” @acokenoice tweeted.
@AriannaTenisci also called McEnroe out, posting: “As a huge Nole fan this is totally disrespectful and uncalled for. Navone won fairly and deserves praise for his victory regardless who is opponent was. Being a legend doesn’t mean others aren’t allowed to beat you. I’m sure Novak would hate this comment from McEnroe too.”
@Daniel207410026 wrote: “McEnroe’s entire attitude towards Navone was despicable from the jump,” @Bringinitback90 added: “Absolutely shameful stuff from McEnroe. Have such respect and stop worrying about your networks ratings.”
Some called for the American to stop calling matches. “McEnroe must be removed from the box,” @DannyFantaPizza urged. @TheKurd added: “McEnroe proves again and again why it’s time for him to go.”
Navone awaits the winner of a clash between 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka, who is retiring at the end of the year, and former world No. 6 Matteo Berrettini. And fans pointed out that the match wouldn’t be scheduled on a small, outer court.
“He literally plays Berrettini or Wawrinka next…” @biasedabttnns tweeted. @ValentiniGrFans added: “Also the next round will be against Berrettini or Wawrinka, so clearly it will not be on such a small court.”
While fans thought McEnroe was harsh on Navone, Djokovic, who threw up on the court during the bruising five-set defeat, was full of praise for his opponent. “I don’t want to take too much out of his win. Congrats to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter,” he said
