Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Djokovic stunned by Tirante in sweltering Cincinnati Open exit
Novak Djokovic is one of the best tennis players ever, with 24 Grand Slam championship wins.
He played at a tournament called the Cincinnati Open, his first match since losing in the Wimbledon semifinals.
He faced a player from Argentina named Thiago Agustin Tirante.
The weather was very hot and humid, and Djokovic felt sick during the match, even getting sick to his stomach.
He won the first set, but Tirante stayed calm and won the next two sets to take the match.
Tirante was very happy and said beating Djokovic was the best win of his career.
Djokovic said a health problem has bothered him for a few years, especially in hot and humid weather.
He said he probably won't come back to Cincinnati again.
Next, he will play at the US Open in New York, where he hopes to win his 25th big title.
World No. 5 Novak Djokovic was ousted by 50th-ranked Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on Saturday.
Playing his first match since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner, the 39-year-old struggled with extreme heat and humidity, dropping to his knees, requiring a medical timeout and vomiting during the match.
Djokovic cited an unspecified health condition that has bothered him "for the past couple of years," especially in hot and humid weather, saying a return to Cincinnati looks "more likely not."
Tirante, who called the win "the best win of my career," saved his chances by managing his nerves and advanced to a third-round meeting with Spain's Martin Landaluce.
Djokovic's 10-match Cincinnati winning streak was snapped, and he next heads to the US Open starting Aug. 30 in New York, where he will seek a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic and Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina, in Djokovic's first match since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner.
- What
- Tirante upset Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round, rallying from a set down as Djokovic struggled with the heat and humidity.
- When
- Saturday at the Cincinnati Open, with the US Open starting Aug. 30.
- Where
- Lindner Family Tennis Center, home of the Cincinnati Open in Cincinnati.
- Why
- Djokovic struggled in hot, humid conditions linked to an unspecified health condition, while Tirante managed his nerves and capitalized to claim the biggest win of his career.
- Match result
- Tirante def. Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 (second round)
- Match duration
- 2 hours, 44 minutes
- World rankings
- Djokovic No. 5; Tirante No. 50
- Djokovic's Cincinnati record
- 45-13 with titles in 2018, 2020 and 2023
- Winning streak snapped
- 10 consecutive Cincinnati wins
- Tirante's next opponent
- Spain's Martin Landaluce (third round)
- US Open start
- Aug. 30 in New York
- Women's draw results
- Alexandra Eala advanced; Jessica Pegula beat Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2
Sources
Novak Djokovic In Major Distress! Serbian Star Collapses & Vomits On Court In Shocking Cincinnati Open Defeat | Video
Novak Djokovic knocked out by Tirante in sweltering Cincinnati as US Open looms
Novak Djokovic ousted from Cincinnati Open in first match since Wimbledon, future remains uncertain
