Novak Djokovic’s return to competition lasted just one match Saturday as the 24-time Grand Slam champion struggled physically in the Cincinnati heat before suffering a stunning second-round loss to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. The bigger concern came afterward. Djokovic said an ongoing health condition that has troubled him for several years was aggravated by the hot and humid conditions at the Cincinnati Open, raising questions about his physical condition with the US Open approaching.
The 39-year-old Serbian appeared in control early, taking the opening set 6-2 against Tirante. But the match changed dramatically in the second set as Djokovic began showing visible signs of physical distress. At several points, Djokovic bent over between points and struggled to recover after long rallies. He received medical attention after an exhausting service game early in the second set, when tournament medical staff assessed him during the changeover.
“It’s just a condition that I have, health wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic said after the match. He explained that hot and humid weather can make the problem worse. Tirante took advantage as Djokovic’s level dropped, winning the second set 6-4 before staying with the Serbian through a tight deciding set.
Djokovic repeatedly fought his way out of trouble. He saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced during the two-hour, 44-minute match, but Tirante finally broke through with the deciding set tied at 4-4. The Argentine then served out the biggest victory of his career at love, completing a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 upset.
For Tirante, the victory continued a breakout season. The 25-year-old entered Cincinnati at a career-high No. 50 in the ATP rankings and has now compiled a remarkable 4-1 record against Top 10 opponents. His 2026 season has also included victories over Ben Shelton in Munich and Taylor Fritz in Montreal.
Djokovic, meanwhile, was playing his first match since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals. Cincinnati was expected to give him valuable hard-court competition before the US Open. Instead, his early departure leaves the Serbian with another extended break before the season’s final Grand Slam.
Djokovic remains one of the biggest threats at the majors despite reducing his tournament schedule as he has gotten older. But Saturday’s match provided another reminder that physical recovery has become an increasingly important part of the equation. The conditions in Cincinnati were particularly demanding.
Djokovic’s struggles became obvious during an 18-minute service game early in the second set. He managed to save four break points and hold serve but required medical attention immediately afterward. He continued competing and appeared to recover somewhat during the third set, but Tirante stayed patient.
At 4-4, Djokovic saved three more break points before Tirante finally converted his fourth opportunity. The Argentine then closed out the match without dropping another point. The defeat ended Djokovic’s 10-match Cincinnati Open winning streak. He won the tournament in 2018, 2020 and 2023 and owns a 45-13 career record at the event. Saturday also marked his 139th Masters 1000 appearance, tying Feliciano Lopez for the most in series history.
It may also have been Djokovic’s final appearance in Cincinnati. Asked whether he expected to return to the tournament next year, Djokovic left the possibility open but sounded doubtful. “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” he said.
For now, attention shifts toward his recovery and preparation for New York. Djokovic has built much of the later stage of his career around arriving at Grand Slam tournaments physically ready to compete for titles. Cincinnati was supposed to be an important part of that preparation.
Instead, he leaves Ohio after one physically punishing match and with more questions surrounding his condition than when he arrived. Tirante advances to face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the third round.
