Djokovic Struggles in Heat as Tirante Produces Shock Cincinnati Win

Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat at the Cincinnati Open after struggling with the heat and humidity during his second-round match against Argentina’s Thiago Tirante.

The 39-year-old Serbian lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Tirante, who is ranked 50th in the world.

Djokovic started the match strongly and won the first set 6-2. However, he began to struggle badly in the second set as the heat took its toll.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion dropped to his hands and knees and needed medical attention. He also appeared to vomit twice during the match.

A doctor and a physiotherapist came onto the court to help Djokovic. After the second set, both players also went back to the dressing rooms before the match continued.

Djokovic fought hard but could not recover. Tirante broke his serve in the ninth game of the deciding set and held on to complete the biggest win of his career.

“This is the best win of my career,” Tirante said.

“I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure.”

The defeat was a major surprise because Djokovic had never failed to reach at least the last 32 at the Cincinnati Open since making his debut at the tournament in 2005.

The match was also Djokovic’s first since his semi-final defeat by Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July.