Day 1 of the 2026 US Open featured a major upset as Novak Djokovic lost to Mariano Navone in the first round. Former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe was present in the commentary box for the clash, and the American legend drew the ire of the tennis community for his remark about Navone after the Argentine’s stunning upset.
Why John McEnroe Faced Criticism for His US Open Commentary
Djokovic recently raised concerns about his physical condition after throwing up mid-match during his opening-round loss at the Cincinnati Open. Speaking to the media afterward, the Serb revealed that he was battling a health condition that caused such problems in hot and humid weather.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion faced similar struggles during his first-round match at the US Open. Despite vomiting multiple times and needing medication during the encounter, Djokovic kept fighting, which drew praise from McEnroe in the commentary box.
“Talk about the ultimate competitor. He’s hurling, and it’s unbelievable that he’s still enduring. Suffering,” McEnroe said.
However, Navone ultimately prevailed in the four-hour, 36-minute showdown, claiming a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory to oust Djokovic from the New York Major.
As Navone celebrated his impressive victory, McEnroe seemingly took a dig at the Argentine about not returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium for his second-round clash.
“You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best. And he’s going to have to play with that effort and intensity, but enjoy the moment, young man,” McEnroe said.
“You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best.” – John McEnroe after Mariano Navone beats Novak Djokovic in the US Open pic.twitter.com/3mN94Bra5S
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2026
The former world No. 1’s remark did not sit well with tennis fans, who took issue with McEnroe’s perceived “disrespectful” attitude toward Navone.
“McEnroe’s entire attitude towards Navone was despicable from the jump,” one fan commented.
“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, Eubanks or Isner would be significantly better on the call moving forward,” another fan posted.
Fans continued to denounce the “unnecessary” jab, with several pointing out that Navone could very well be scheduled for a bigger show court for his second-round match, as he will face either three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka or former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini next.
“Completely unnecessary snark… Tennis dies when we make it only about the stars,” a user wrote.
“Totally uncalled for. And isn’t he playing Wawrinka or Berrettini next anyway, doubt they’re going in the deep parking late anyway,” one fan argued.
“Unnecessarily harsh. Particularly as he will play either Stan or Matteo next,” said another.
This is not the first time that John McEnroe has faced backlash for his commentary at a Grand Slam event this season. He was previously criticized for his “out of touch” remarks at the French Open and also came under scrutiny for his “harsh” comments about Michael Zheng at Wimbledon.
