Novak Djokovic’s highly anticipated campaign at the 2026 Cincinnati Open has ended in a concerning loss during his opening match. The 24-time Grand Slam champion displayed signs of struggle during the contest and later shared a grim prediction about his future at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
What Novak Djokovic Said After His Cincinnati Open Loss
Djokovic arrived at the Cincinnati Open fresh from a relaxing family getaway in Montenegro. With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both absent from the ATP Masters 1000 event, the Serb entered the tournament as one of the strongest contenders for the title as he sought to build momentum ahead of the US Open.
However, Djokovic endured significant physical struggles while facing Thiago Agustín Tirante in the second round, following a first-round bye. Despite dominating the first set, the 39-year-old appeared to be experiencing discomfort in the second set. He called for a medical timeout while leading 2-1 and vomited into his towel.
Djokovic also fell to his knees as his struggles continued in the hot and humid conditions in Cincinnati. Although the Serb put up a tough challenge in the decider after losing the second set, Tirante ultimately claimed a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory after a two-hour, 44-minute battle.
Speaking to the media after his loss, the Serb graciously congratulated his opponent before acknowledging that the match was far from a pleasant experience for him.
“Congrats to my opponent,” he said. “It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure. The way I felt. Not the first and I guess not the last time, but it is what it is.”
Djokovic attributed his physical difficulties to a health issue he had been dealing with for the past few years, which was exacerbated by hot conditions and 85% humidity.
“It’s just a condition that I have, health wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years. [It causes] a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot,” he added. “I did anticipate it [would be humid], but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved that makes it worse, and that’s what happened.”
The 39-year-old also expressed uncertainty about whether he would be back to compete at the Cincinnati Open, saying, “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.”
Up next, Thiago Agustín Tirante will lock horns with Martín Landaluce in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will turn his attention to preparing for the US Open, where he is set to resume his hunt for his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.