Novak Djokovic’s Cincinnati Open campaign ended in a shock second-round defeat after the 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly affected by the heat and humidity. Djokovic won the opening set against Thiago Tirante but struggled physically before losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The 39-year-old was playing his first match since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat by Jannik Sinner in July. Djokovic’s physical problems became increasingly apparent as the match went on, with the Serbian appearing to vomit and later requiring treatment from a doctor and physiotherapist.
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“I was not trying to do anything out of the ordinary. I tried to take my chances, with a little bit of randomness, and I am happy,” Djokovic said.
“There were several moments, a couple against Alireza, against Nihal as well. There were certainly some moments, but I am thrilled to go undefeated,” he added.
DJOKOVIC STRUGGLES IN THE CINCINNATI HEAT
Djokovic looked in control early on, taking the first set 6-2. But the conditions began to take a toll in the second set.
The Serbian endured an exhausting 18-minute third game, saving four break points over nine deuces. Soon after, he appeared to vomit on court and needed medical attention.
Djokovic was also seen dropping onto his hands and knees during the contest as he battled the heat and humidity. A physiotherapist and doctor attended to him before both players went back to the locker rooms after the second set.
When play resumed, Djokovic continued to fight but was clearly struggling to find his usual level.
Tirante sensed his opportunity and finally made the decisive breakthrough at 4-4 in the third set, converting his fourth break point before serving out the biggest win of his career.
The match lasted two hours and 45 minutes and ended Djokovic’s remarkable Cincinnati record of always reaching at least the last 32 since his tournament debut in 2005.
TIRANTE HOLDS HIS NERVE
The 50th-ranked Argentine kept his composure against one of tennis’ greatest players and secured a career-defining victory.
“This is the best win of my career,” Tirante said. “I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure.”
“It is all so much pressure when you cannot break. I had so many points to break and I couldn’t, so that was the key. Keep believing in myself with my team.”
Djokovic was the third seed in Cincinnati despite being fifth in the world rankings, with top-ranked Jannik Sinner absent because of a knee injury and Carlos Alcaraz missing with a wrist problem.
Tirante will face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the third round.
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