Tennis player Novak Djokovic mentioned a health problem following his exit from the Cincinnati Open on Saturday. He lost to 25-year-old Thiago Agustín Tirante in the second round. Djokovic, aged 39, visibly struggled during the match and appeared to vomit at one point, needing a medical timeout. The match lasted nearly three hours before Tirante defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic described the match as “not enjoyable” due to a health condition affecting him for a couple of years. He stated, “A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot.” The Serbian star did not specify the health issue but acknowledged that humidity and nerves aggravated it.
Following the match, Djokovic congratulated Tirante, who hailed the win as potentially the best of his career. Tirante commended Djokovic as a significant figure in tennis, saying, “I think I really did a good job inside the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak.”
Djokovic managed to save 13 out of 15 break points but lost his serve in the ninth game of the final set, ending in a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 loss in 2 hours and 44 minutes. Historically successful at the Cincinnati Open, the loss now places his record at 45-13, according to the ATP Tour. Djokovic hinted that this might be his last appearance at the tournament.
When asked about returning, Djokovic appeared uncertain. “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” he said, leaving his future participation in doubt.
This tournament was Djokovic’s first since losing to Italy’s Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July. He withdrew from the Canadian Open earlier this month, likely to rest before the U.S. Open, beginning on August 30. Djokovic has won the title four times.