Mariano Navone’s introduction to grass 12 months in the past was temporary and eye-opening.
After profitable an ATP Challenger Tour title on clay in Poznan on the Saturday, the 23-year-old travelled to west London 24 hours later to make his debut on the floor at Wimbledon qualifying. He gained simply three video games in opposition to Ricardas Berankis, with the match lasting 60 minutes.
“Final yr was my first time ever on grass. I got here to the membership and I assumed, ‘Wow, this can be a unusual feeling’,” Navone informed ATPTour.com. “It was loopy as a result of I gained a Challenger on clay after which the subsequent day on Sunday I skilled indoors on onerous. Then after I performed on grass on Monday I assumed, ‘What is that this? What’s going on?’ As a result of it felt completely completely different than a clay court docket or a tough court docket. It was my first time and it was a distinct expertise, a problem!”
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Twelve months on and Navone is about to compete on the floor for a second time when he performs Jack Draper within the cinch Championships. It is going to be his maiden tour-level grass-court match. The six-time ATP Challenger Tour champion is hoping he can discover his groove on the floor this week, utilizing final yr’s expertise as a studying curve.
“I did not have time to organize final yr. This yr it is completely different as a result of I completed Roland Garros after which went residence for a little bit bit and performed on quick onerous courts. I’ve ready extra, hitting on grass since Thursday. However it’s the first time on the ATP Tour taking part in on grass as a result of I’m now taking part in extra occasions as I’m No. 29.
“I’ve expectations forward of my first match however I am nervous. I’ve to enhance, to get a really feel for grass and transferring on grass. I hope for a great event, however I do know it is my first time, so it is completely different when you have got expertise. I believe my backhand works effectively on grass. It’s higher as a result of I hit the ball quick. I can management the ball simpler on this floor and I like to vary shortly and hit down the road. My return is essential on grass. It’s good on clay, so hopefully I can regulate shortly.”
Navone grew up competing on clay in Buenos Aires and has performed the vast majority of his matches on the floor. This yr, the 23-year-old has competed 36 instances in any respect ranges, with solely one among his clashes coming off clay (Australian Open qualifying).
It’s a floor the Argentine has flourished on, with Navone reaching tour-level finals in Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest earlier this yr. As much as No. 29 within the PIF ATP Rankings, Navone revealed he’s now receiving extra consideration from followers when at residence. The 23-year-old has loved this new side of his life.
“Once I got here again after [Roland Garros] folks recognised me within the streets and within the bars folks wished to take some photographs with me,” Navone mentioned. “I went to a restaurant and other people recognised me. I get pleasure from returning like to the folks and kids.
“Most significantly the kids as a result of they’re little. One time I used to be this little man. Once I was a child I noticed Nalbandian. I used to be like ‘Wow, what a celebrity’. Once I noticed David Ferrer this yr in Rio on the ceremony, he hugged me and I spoke some phrases with him and that was loopy. He was my idol so it’s actually cool.”
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