Novak Djokovic’s 24-year dominance at the Cincinnati Open ended on Saturday after a three-set loss to Thiago Agustín Tirante, a 25-year-old Argentine ranked No. 50 in the world. The match, played in stifling heat and humidity, saw Djokovic visibly struggle, requiring a medical timeout and appearing to vomit during a changeover. Tirante won 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 44 minutes, marking the biggest win of his career.
Djokovic, 39, acknowledged a longstanding health condition that worsens in hot, humid conditions. “It’s just a condition that I have, healthwise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” he told reporters. “A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot.” He added that nerves exacerbated his symptoms during the match. Djokovic saved 13 of 15 break points but ultimately fell to Tirante’s serve in the ninth game of the final set.
Tirante, who called the win “potentially the best of my career,” praised Djokovic as one of the sport’s greatest figures. “I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak,” he said. Djokovic, a three-time Cincinnati champion, expressed uncertainty about returning to the tournament. “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” he said. “But let’s see what the future brings.”
Djokovic’s loss came in his first match since a Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner in July. He had withdrawn from the Canadian Open earlier in August. The Serbian will now focus on the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York, where he aims to extend his record to 25 Grand Slam singles titles.
Match breakdown
Djokovic dominated the first set, winning it 6-2, but Tirante rallied in the second, leveling the match at 6-4. The decisive moment came in the final set, where Djokovic, despite a brief recovery in the locker room, made uncharacteristic errors, culminating in a volley into the net that gave Tirante the break. Tirante served out the match to secure the victory.
Health concerns and future plans
Djokovic did not specify the nature of his health issue but noted it has persisted for years and intensifies in humid conditions. He called the match “not an enjoyable” experience due to his physical state. Tirante, who will face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the next round, credited his family and supporters in Argentina for his performance.
Djokovic’s record at the Cincinnati Open now stands at 45-13, with titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023. His early exit marks a rare disruption in his otherwise consistent preparation for the US Open.