Novak Djokovic, 39, was eliminated in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on Saturday by 25-year-old Thiago Agustín Tirante, after which Djokovic told reporters he has an unnamed health condition that has troubled him for the past couple of years and worsens in hot, humid conditions.
Djokovic loses at Cincinnati Open, cites undisclosed health condition
Novak Djokovic, 39, was eliminated in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on Saturday by 25-year-old Thiago Agustín Tirante, after which Djokovic told reporters he has an unnamed health condition that has troubled him for the past couple of years and worsens in hot, humid conditions.
Tirante broke Djokovic's serve in the ninth game of the final set and served out the match, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 44 minutes. Djokovic saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced during the match.
Djokovic was visibly struggling throughout the contest and appeared to vomit at one point, requiring a medical timeout, according to the source.
The defeat dropped Djokovic's record at the Cincinnati Open to 45-13, according to the ATP Tour. Asked whether he would return to the tournament, Djokovic said it looked 'more likely not, unfortunately,' though he added: 'Let's see what the future brings.'
Saturday's match was Djokovic's first competitive appearance since his loss to Italy's Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July. He had withdrawn from the Canadian Open earlier this month. The U.S. Open, the year's final Grand Slam, begins Aug. 30; Djokovic has won that title four times.
- The source does not state the name or medical classification of the health condition Djokovic referenced.
- The source does not state when or whether Djokovic has previously disclosed this condition publicly.
- The source does not state what treatment, if any, Djokovic received during or after the medical timeout.
- The source does not state the specific reason Djokovic withdrew from the Canadian Open earlier this month.
- The source does not state whether Djokovic has confirmed his participation in the U.S. Open.