Novak Djokovic Crashes Out Of Cincinnati Open After Shock Loss To Thiago Tirante

Novak Djokovic’s return to competitive tennis ended in disappointment as the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a shock 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday.

Playing his first match since his Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic made a strong start, taking the opening set comfortably. However, the contest changed as the heat and humidity intensified in Mason, Ohio.

The 39-year-old Serbian appeared to struggle physically and later revealed that an unspecified health condition he has experienced for several years becomes particularly troublesome in hot and humid conditions.

Djokovic fought hard but could not regain his early momentum. Tirante broke his serve in the ninth game of the deciding set before serving out the match to complete the biggest victory of his career.

The defeat ended Djokovic’s 10-match winning streak in Cincinnati. The three-time champion had previously won the tournament in 2018, 2020 and 2023 and boasts a 45-13 record at the event.

Tirante, ranked No. 50 in the world, remained composed throughout the decisive stages against one of tennis’ greatest players.

“I think this is the best win of my career,” Tirante said after the match.

The defeat leaves Djokovic with little time to recover before the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York. He will be aiming for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic also admitted that he was unsure whether he would return to Cincinnati, raising questions about his future at the tournament.

In the women’s draw, Alexandra Eala continued her impressive form after advancing when Elena-Gabriela Ruse stopped playing because of an ankle injury. Eala has won eight of her last nine matches.

American Jessica Pegula also advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Simona Waltert.