Tournament Organizers Told They Have to ‘Protect’ Novak Djokovic After His Cincinnati Exit

Novak Djokovic has been dealing with an underlying health condition, and the problem worsens when he plays in extreme hot and humid conditions in tournaments such as the Cincinnati Masters. The seventh Masters 1000 of the season is underway at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Djokovic also competed. In his opening-round match, which was also his first one since his semifinal defeat to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of Wimbledon, Djokovic suffered a three-set defeat at the hands of Thiago Agustin Tirante. Later at the press conference, he talked about his health problems, which are stopping him from giving his best under scorching conditions.

Following his exit, former British No.1 Greg Rusedski urged the tournament organizers to protect the 39-year-old by making him play during the night session.

I’m just happy to have Novak around whenever it’s possible. He’s 39 years of age, what he’s achieved is phenomenal. But it’s so hard physically, especially in the heat and the humidity in Cincinnati. It can be brutal. I remember playing matches there — I was just standing there and I was dripping, you can barely hold your racket. The heat is unbearable, the ice towel has to be on.

Greg Rusedski said on the Off Court with Greg podcast

It was Djokovic’s sixth tournament of the season. Before Cincinnati, he competed in the first three Grand Slams, the Indian Wells Masters, and the Italian Open.

Novak has to be protected. He can’t be playing during the day. He has to be playing in the evenings, from 7 o’clock onwards. He’s earned the right to do so. And especially against a young gun like the Argentinian Tirante, who can hit the ball an absolute ton. So, that was a brutal scheduling for Novak. I think in the US Open, he’ll be protected, and I hope he continues to play for a long time.

Greg Rusedski added

It was the second time this season that Nole crashed out of the opening-round match, following the Italian Open. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion has already played a final at the Australian Open. Following his five-set win over the two-time defending champion Sinner, he lost in four sets to Carlos Alcaraz.

Brad Stine is concerned about Novak Djokovic’s fitness level

Although Novak Djokovic made deep runs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Tommy Paul‘s coach, Brad Stine, doesn’t know how the Serb will perform at the US Open following his latest defeat. Stine thinks long matches could be a problem for Djokovic even in the early rounds against lower-ranked players.

I think Novak is an absolute wildcard question mark. But at the same time, you know, his fitness level is a bit of a question if he goes five sets early in a tournament with whoever it might be. That’s definitely not to his benefit at this point anymore, and he’s even made that statement. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Carlos or Jannik that’s pushing him to five sets.

Brad Stine said on the Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Last year in the New York Slam, Djokovic reached the semifinal, only to suffer a straight-set upset at the hands of eventual champion Alcaraz, whose participation in the event this year is uncertain, as he has been sidelined due to a wrist injury since the Barcelona Open.

World No.1 Sinner, who has won the most titles on the men’s tour this season (six), also withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to a knee niggle. If they don’t play the US Open, it would be a great opportunity for Djokovic to end his Grand Slam title drought. He last won a Major at the 2023 US Open.

Also read: Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Demands Tennis Rule Overhaul After Novak Djokovic’s Loss at Cincinnati