Novak Djokovic Admits Underlying Health Problem Resulted in Opening-Round Cincinnati Exit: “Not Enjoyable Match”

Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters opening round. On Saturday (August 15), the Serb played his first match since his defeat to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of Wimbledon.

Up against him was Thiago Agustin Tirante, who overcame a slow start to beat the three-time Cincinnati titlist 6-2, 4-6, 4-6. Nole admitted at the press conference that he’s struggling with an underlying health condition exacerbated by the hot and humid conditions.

Congrats to my opponent. It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure. The way I felt. Not the first, and I guess not the last time, but it is what it is.

Djokovic last won a title in the tournament in 2023 by defeating Carlos Alcaraz and did not participate in the following two seasons. This is the second time this season Djokovic suffered an opening-round upset. The first defeat came at the Italian Open.

It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years. [It causes] a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot. I did anticipate it [would be humid], but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved, that make it worse, and that’s what happened.

Novak Djokovic added

It is now uncertain whether Djokovic will play in Cincinnati in the future. Apart from the three titles, the 24-time Grand Slam champion also played five more finals in the tournament.

Djokovic also did not play in the recently concluded Canadian Open, but his absence was anticipated. Thanks to the packed calendar, Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who has made a deep run almost every year, has not come to Canada to play since his defeat in the third round in 2018.

Djokovic will next compete at the US Open, the main draw of which starts on August 30. He last won here in 2023 and lost to eventual champion Alcaraz in the semifinals last year.

Thiago Agustin Tirante calls Novak Djokovic upset the best win of his career

The win over Novak Djokovic helped Thiago Agustin Tirante improve to 4-1 against top-10 opponents. Those wins also include opponents Ben Shelton in Munich and Taylor Fritz in Montreal.

I think this is the best win of my career. I think I really did a good job inside the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak. Now I feel relieved, because it is all so much pressure when you cannot break [serve]. I had so many points to break, and I couldn’t, so that was the key, to keep believing in myself with my team and think about it after the match.

Thiago Agustin Tirante said at the press conference

Tirante will next be facing Martin Landaluce, who defeated 31st seed Matteo Arnaldi. The two will face each other for the first time.

The confidence [my team] gives me [is key]. I think we are doing a really good job with my mental [coach]. They are helping me a lot, and this I think has been the key this year, to believe in myself more and listen to my team between the points in the match. So I think I am doing the right things.

Thiago Agustin Tirante added

Defending champion in Cincinnati, Carlos Alcaraz, is not competing as he is recovering from a wrist injury. Last year’s runner-up Jannik Sinner is also not playing due to knee discomfort. They will be hoping to recover completely before the US Open, where the Spaniard defeated the Italian last year to win his second title in the tournament.

Also read: Trinity Rodman Recalls Sliding Into Boyfriend Ben Shelton’s DMs, Reveals How Their Romance Started