Navone claims first top 10 victory
Hope
Mariano Navone wrote his name into the history books as he secured the biggest win of his career on Saturday after defeating World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(4), 7-6(5) at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome to reach the third round.
The Argentine claimed his first career victory over a Top 10 opponent after previously losing all five of his matches against players ranked inside the top 10. Navone will now face either Joao Fonseca or Hamad Medjedovic in the next round.
Auger-Aliassime appeared to struggle with a leg problem during the second set and required treatment.
The Canadian was visibly limited in movement during the tie-break but managed to save one match point before Navone closed out the victory.
The 25-year-old Navone continues his strong clay-court form this season after winning his maiden ATP Tour title in Bucharest earlier this year.
He has not dropped a set so far in Rome, having also defeated Denis Shapovalov in the opening round.
As per the ATP Live Rankings, Navone is projected to rise three places to World No. 41 following the result, while Auger-Aliassime is expected to slip to No. 6.
The Canadian has struggled for consistency on clay this season with a reported 3-4 record on the surface.
Elsewhere, Spanish youngster Martin Landaluce defeated former World No. 3 Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4 to progress to the third round, where he will meet Mattia Bellucci.
Landaluce recently reached the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami and also made the semi-finals of a Challenger tournament in Monza last month.
Former Rome quarter-finalist Andrey Rublev opened his campaign with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 win over Miomir Kecmanovic.
Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev advanced to the next round after Tomas Machac withdrew before their match.
