Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic Feeling Effects of ‘Long COVID,’ Claims Journalist After Latest Physical Setback

Novak Djokovic struggled a lot during his opening-round defeat to Thiago Agustín Tirante in the ongoing Cincinnati Masters. Although he had a solid start to the match, he started struggling toward the end of the first set.

Later at the press conference, the 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he has been dealing with a health condition exacerbated by the heat and humidity. Following his exit, journalist Charles Arthur claimed the Serb, who is unvaccinated, may be feeling the aftereffects of COVID.

A number of people wondering if this could be long Covid, or even just Covid aftereffects (he’s had it twice, June 2020 and Dec 2021). Even for someone incredibly fit like him the gradual accumulation of CV damage could be a factor.

A number of people wondering if this could be long Covid, or even just Covid aftereffects (he’s had it twice, June 2020 and Dec 2021). Even for someone incredibly fit like him the gradual accumulation of CV damage could be a factor. https://t.co/NHNo4407uM

— Charles Arthur (@charlesarthur) August 17, 2026

The tennis world is well aware of the 2022 vaccination saga. He came to Australia for the Grand Slam tournament, but was deported by the government because he was unvaccinated.

But Djokovic competed at the Australian Open the following year, only to end it in his favor. Had Carlos Alcaraz not defeated him in the Wimbledon final, Nole would have completed the Calendar Slam.

At the US Open the same year, he won his 24th Grand Slam title, and since then, he has played three Major finals, including in Melbourne this year. Djokovic first shocked everyone with a five-set win over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. But he later lost to Alcaraz in the final.

This was the second time Djokovic lost in the opening round of a tournament after the Italian Open. Djokovic has now played three Masters 1000 tournaments this season.

Camille Pin on what was more concerning about Novak Djokovic’s opening round loss

Former WTA player Camille Pin made her feelings known on Novak Djokovic‘s physical setbacks during his Cincinnati defeat. As per the Frenchwoman, Djokovic struggling so early in the match is more concerning than his defeat to World No.50 Thiago Agustin Tirante.

What’s rather odd is that it didn’t happen in a third set after 2 hours and 40 minutes of play. From the very beginning of the match, Novak was struggling to breathe, and that’s a pretty bad sign. So that’s what’s worrying, more so than the loss to Tirante, who just reached the round of 16 in Montreal by beating [Taylor] Fritz.

Camille Pin told Eurosport France

Djokovic will next compete at the US Open, where last year’s eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz beat him in straight sets in the semifinals. He has played in six tournaments so far this season. At the French Open and Wimbledon, he lost to Joao Fonseca (third round) and eventual champion Jannik Sinner (semifinals), respectively.

Why did he feel so much discomfort in the humidity when he’s won this tournament three times? Of course, he’s not the same age, but he’s still incredibly fit. He’ll have to check with his team before the US Open.

Camille Pin added

The US Open singles main draw starts on August 30. Alcaraz and Sinner (last year’s runner-up) are in doubt as both are dealing with injuries. Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open and has not yet played in another tournament. The five-time Grand Slam champion is dealing with a knee injury, which forced him to skip the Cincinnati Masters.

Sinner also skipped the Canadian Open to prioritize his health following his title defense at Wimbledon. He has clinched the most titles on the men’s tour this season, winning five Masters 1000s and Wimbledon. Djokovic, on the other hand, last lifted a tour-level trophy at the 2025 Hellenic Championship.

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