Qualifier Mariano Navone keeps living his fairytale week in Rio. After defeating local sensation João Fonseca on Friday, he stunned reigning champion Cameron Norrie in the biggest win of his career.
“Tennis is a sport that things change a lot from one week to another. A week ago I was playing my first ATP 500 qualifying match and I could never imagine I would be playing the final tomorrow. Things can change quickly."
Last week, playing in home soil, Navone was eliminated at the first round of the Buenos Aires Open by 6/2 and 6/1. Then he landed in Rio and started his six-match winning streak. He won both qualifying matches, first against Matheus Alves (BRA), then Genaro Olivieri (ARG). Then in the singles’ draw he beat Federico Coria (ARG), to score his first ATP Tour win, and proceeded to defeat Yannick Hanfmann (ALE), Fonseca and Norrie.
“We have to enjoy these moments because things are always changing in the sport. I’m really happy with my performance this past few days”, said Navone.
The 22-year-old will take on Sebastian Baez at the all-Argentinian final of the Rio Open. “We've known each other since we were eight or something so it’s gonna be a tough battle. The Argentinians players are having a great moment, we had three semifinalists here in Rio and now two in the final, which is amazing.”
“Baez is a very tough opponent and very experienced. He won three titles last year and one in Estoril before that, so he’s not gonna give me any presents tomorrow”, added Navone.
Currently ranked number 113 in the world, the Argentinian is expected to jump to number 60 with this final.
“Tennis is a sport that things change a lot from one week to another. A week ago I was playing my first ATP 500 qualifying match and I could never imagine I would be playing the final tomorrow. Things can change quickly."
Last week, playing in home soil, Navone was eliminated at the first round of the Buenos Aires Open by 6/2 and 6/1. Then he landed in Rio and started his six-match winning streak. He won both qualifying matches, first against Matheus Alves (BRA), then Genaro Olivieri (ARG). Then in the singles’ draw he beat Federico Coria (ARG), to score his first ATP Tour win, and proceeded to defeat Yannick Hanfmann (ALE), Fonseca and Norrie.
“We have to enjoy these moments because things are always changing in the sport. I’m really happy with my performance this past few days”, said Navone.
The 22-year-old will take on Sebastian Baez at the all-Argentinian final of the Rio Open. “We've known each other since we were eight or something so it’s gonna be a tough battle. The Argentinians players are having a great moment, we had three semifinalists here in Rio and now two in the final, which is amazing.”
“Baez is a very tough opponent and very experienced. He won three titles last year and one in Estoril before that, so he’s not gonna give me any presents tomorrow”, added Navone.
Currently ranked number 113 in the world, the Argentinian is expected to jump to number 60 with this final.
