Mariano Navone's journey to his first ATP Tour title is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. In an exclusive interview with ATPTour.com, the Argentine reflects on his triumph at the Tiriac Open in Bucharest, sharing insights into his mindset, influences, and future aspirations.
A Dream Fulfilled
Navone's victory in Bucharest marks a significant milestone in his career, fulfilling a childhood dream. He reminisces about his early aspirations, stating, 'When you are a kid, you are looking at the ATP and when you’re looking at the ATP you say, ‘I want to be Djokovic’. I’m not Djokovic for sure, but I won the first title, so I [did] something he [did], so I’m very happy for that. It’s a lot of happiness. The word for the final is happiness.' This sentiment underscores the profound impact of achieving a lifelong goal.
Bucharest's Special Connection
The city of Bucharest holds a special place in Navone's heart. He has a strong connection to the city, having played numerous Futures and Challenger tournaments there since 2020. Navone attributes this positive relationship to the similarities between the people of Bucharest and Argentines, noting their shared passion and love for fun. He says, 'I have a good relationship from 2020 with Bucharest, with Romania. The people I think are very similar to Argentines. They are passionate, they are people who love [fun] things. We have a good relationship because I’m a fun guy, sometimes I want to show the place, the crowd, everything. I think we have a very special relationship.'
Learning from Past Finals
Navone's journey to his first title was not without challenges. He reflects on his previous two ATP Tour finals, acknowledging the lessons learned. In his first final with Baez, he was nervous and slightly tired, but Baez's performance taught him invaluable lessons. The second final against Marton was tougher, with Marton playing a strong game. Navone's takeaway from these experiences was to keep pushing and enjoy the final, a mindset that proved crucial in his eventual victory.
Mental Resilience and Match Point Savvy
Navone's ability to save two match points in the semi-finals against Van de Zandschulp showcases his mental fortitude. He attributes this to his determination and the lessons he learned from past matches. He says, 'I think it says a lot because if I missed a ball I had that match, maybe I would lose. Because [in the past] I lost many matches like this. But yesterday was a really, really special battle. I was 3-5, Advantage down and I put all the balls inside. I put everything in that game, also in the next game to take the second set. My mentality in that moment was very important.'
Dedications and Celebrations
When asked about dedications, Navone expresses his gratitude to his family, who have been a constant source of support. He also acknowledges the influence of his coaches, including Luli (Mancini), Dante (Gennaro), Andy (Delatorre), and Leandro Veron, who played a pivotal role in his mental development. As for celebrations, Navone's simple pleasure is a hamburger with french fries and a coke, a well-deserved reward after his hard-fought victory.
Idolizing the Legends
Navone's admiration for Novak Djokovic and David Nalbandian is evident. He considers Djokovic the GOAT and Nalbandian one of the most special players in his life. He says, 'Everything, because Djokovic is the GOAT right now. Nalbandian is one of the most special players in my life, it’s unbelievable. The way he played I loved. I think I learned a lot from these two guys on the backhand side. It’s really special.' Navone's ability to connect with these tennis legends on a personal level adds a layer of richness to his journey.
In conclusion, Mariano Navone's first ATP Tour title is a triumph of passion, hard work, and mental resilience. His journey from a young dreamer to a champion is an inspiring narrative, offering valuable insights into the world of professional tennis.
