The Argentine held his nerve in a tense contest lasting nearly three hours at the Foro Italico to secure his first victory over a top-10 opponent and continue his strong run on clay this season. The result also marked Navone\u2019s maiden appearance in the third round of an ATP Masters 1000 event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Navone, who arrived in Rome after winning his first ATP Tour title in Bucharest earlier this year, showed composure in both tie-breaks against an increasingly troubled Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian struggled physically late in the second set, appearing hampered by leg cramps and finding it difficult to move during crucial points.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the physical discomfort, Auger-Aliassime stayed competitive and nearly forced the match into a deciding set after taking a 6-5 lead in the second. However, Navone recovered impressively, forcing another tie-break before sealing the victory with aggressive baseline play and consistent returning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Argentine had earlier cruised past fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the opening round and has yet to drop a set in the tournament. The latest win is expected to further improve his standing in the live ATP rankings, where he has already climbed several places during the week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the physical discomfort, Auger-Aliassime stayed competitive and nearly forced the match into a deciding set after taking a 6-5 lead in the second. However, Navone recovered impressively, forcing another tie-break before sealing the victory with aggressive baseline play and consistent returning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The upset added to a string of high-profile exits in the men\u2019s draw, with top-10 players continuing to fall early in Rome. Navone will next face the winner of the clash between Brazil\u2019s Joao Fonseca and Serbia\u2019s Hamad Medjedovic in the third round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n