Novak Djokovic has revealed that a long-term health issue contributed to his collapse during a defeat at the Cincinnati Open. The 39-year-old Serb struggled in sweltering conditions and lost to Argentina's Thiago Tirante in three sets.
Collapse on Court
Djokovic, the No. 3 seed in Ohio, had not played since Wimbledon. He took the first set 6-2, but as the temperature reached 35°C, he began to struggle. During an 18-minute third game in the second set, he held serve for a 2-1 lead but then collapsed to his knees and appeared to vomit into a towel.
He called for a medical timeout, had his blood pressure taken, and was assessed by doctors while receiving ice towels. He continued playing but lost 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 to the world No. 50.
Health Problem Revealed
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said the weather was not the sole factor. "It's simply a health problem that I have. It's been bothering me for a few years," he said. "I have a lot of problems, especially when the humidity and heat are high."
He added that nervousness and match-related factors worsen the condition. He also said it is likely he will not play in Cincinnati next year.
Past Success in Cincinnati
Djokovic has won the ATP Masters 1000 event three times. He first won in 2018 against Roger Federer, then beat Milos Raonic in 2020 to become the first player to achieve a Double Career Golden Masters. In 2023, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a three-hour 49-minute final, the longest best-of-three-set final in ATP Tour history.
