“It’s been bothering me for the last couple of years”: Novak Djokovic explains what went wrong in Cincinnati
ATPSunday, 16 August 2026 at 04:30
Novak Djokovic's Cincinnati Open campaign ended in a frustrating defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion's physical struggles told much of the story. Djokovic battled the Ohio heat and humidity from the second set onwards, eventually requiring medical attention during a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback by the Argentine.
Tirante completed the biggest win of his career, adding Djokovic to the list of Top 10 players he has beaten in 2026 after defeating Taylor Fritz in Montreal last week. The No. 50-ranked Argentine recovered from a slow start and took advantage as Djokovic's movement and energy visibly declined.
The Serb led 6-2, 2-1 when his physical problems became increasingly apparent. He called for the physio and doctor, vomited into a towel and had his blood pressure checked before continuing. From there, Djokovic was unable to maintain his usual level of movement as Tirante took control.
For Djokovic, the defeat underlined the physical challenge of competing in Cincinnati's conditions and leaves him with only a few weeks to prepare for the US Open, his main target for the remainder of the summer.
Djokovic: “I have many issues, especially when it’s humid and hot”
The Cincinnati conditions were particularly demanding, with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius and humidity reaching approximately 80%. Asked whether the conditions themselves had caused his problems, Djokovic explained that the issue was more personal than simply the weather.
“No, it’s just the condition that I have health-wise," the 24-time Grand Slam champion said to Sportklub. "It’s been bothering me for the last couple of years. And a lot of issues, especially when it’s humid and hot.”
Novak Djokovic falls to his knees during his R2 match in Cincinnati.
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 15, 2026
During the changeover, Novak appeared to be vomiting before receiving a medical timeout. #cincytennis pic.twitter.com/hHwxVQY5BB
Djokovic had already anticipated that the conditions could create difficulties before taking the court. However, once the match began, the physical problems were compounded by everything involved in competing at that level. “Yeah, I did, but, it is all these things … nerves and everything involved makes it worse. So that’s what happened.”
The Serbian had looked comfortable in the opening set, but the physical struggle quickly changed the match. Tirante took advantage with his serve and powerful forehand, repeatedly pushing Djokovic behind the baseline as the 39-year-old struggled to recover between points.
Another early exit as Djokovic prioritizes the Grand Slams
For Tirante, the victory represents a major step forward. The 25-year-old arrived in Cincinnati as a Top 50 player for the first time and followed up his breakthrough win over Fritz in Montreal with the biggest result of his career. His victory over Djokovic gives him a 4-1 record against Top 10 opponents.
Djokovic admitted afterward that it was far from an enjoyable experience. “First of all, congratulations to my opponent. Honestly, it was not an enjoyable match for me. That’s how I felt. It’s not the first time, I guess it won’t be the last, but it is what it is.”
TOP, Thiago 🙌
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2026
Tiranted battles past three-time champion Djokovic 2-6 6-4 6-4 at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/sJczqBWjhQ
Djokovic had already anticipated that Cincinnati would be difficult. The combination of heat, humidity and his long-standing physical issue was always going to make the match a challenge, but he also acknowledged that the pressure of actually competing made the situation worse once the match began.
“Yeah, I did. But then there is all the other things — nerves and everything involved — that makes it worse. So that's what happened.”
The defeat was particularly frustrating because Djokovic had chosen to play Cincinnati for one specific reason: to get matches under his belt before the US Open. Instead, after taking the opening set 6-2, he struggled badly from the second set onwards, repeatedly stopping between points to catch his breath before eventually falling to Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
“I was aware that I was going to be at a disadvantage because of the conditions, the heat and the humidity. But then you have all these other things that come into play when you're playing a match, and it just makes everything more difficult.”
That is also what makes the Cincinnati exit different from a routine early defeat. Djokovic has played only three non-Grand Slam tournaments this season, going 2-3 across Indian Wells, Rome and Cincinnati without reaching a single quarterfinal. His Grand Slam results, however, remain at an entirely different level.
For now, the US Open is the priority. Djokovic reached the Roland Garros final earlier this season and the Wimbledon semifinals last month, and he has made at least the semifinals at six of his last seven Grand Slam appearances. Cincinnati was supposed to help him prepare for another run in New York. Instead, it ended with Djokovic admitting just how difficult the conditions had made the task.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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