Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Cincinnati Open by world number 50 Thiago Agustin Tirante, a defeat he blamed on a health condition that has bothered him for years.
Match details and struggles
Djokovic took the first set but lost 2-6 6-4 6-4. The 39-year-old struggled with hot and humid conditions in his first tournament since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals.
He called for the physio while leading 6-2, 2-1, was seen vomiting into a towel, and had his blood pressure checked. He dropped to his knees on the court afterwards.
Djokovic's comments
"It's just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years," Djokovic said. "A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot."
"It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure, the way I felt," he added. "Not the first, I guess, not the last time, but it is what it is."
Asked about returning to Cincinnati, he said: "I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let's see what the future brings."
Impact on US Open preparations
Djokovic had been in the US promoting an Amazon Prime documentary. His defeat is a blow as he had said he was playing Cincinnati to prepare for the US Open, which begins in New York on August 30.
Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz is a doubt due to a wrist injury that has kept him out since April, and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner skipped Cincinnati due to a knee injury, saying: "My right knee has been bothering me, and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I'm not ready to compete yet."
