Djokovic exits Cincinnati Open amid heat struggles and Tirante upset

Novak Djokovic has been eliminated from the Cincinnati Open in the second round following a defeat to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. The former world number one lost the contest 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 45 minutes, marking his first appearance on tour since his semi-final exit at Wimbledon on July 10.

The 24-time major champion faced significant physical challenges due to the heat and humidity in Ohio. Djokovic struggled during an 18-minute hold of serve in the second set, fending off four break points over nine deuces before requiring a medical timeout. He was also observed dropping to his hands and knees and appearing to vomit at one stage during the draining contest.

Tirante secured the decisive break at 4-4 in the third set after converting his fourth break point of the game. Following the victory, the Argentine player described the result as the best win of his career, noting the pressure of competing against a legend and expressing relief at managing the nerves throughout the match. He will now face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the third round.

Djokovic entered the tournament as the third seed, despite holding the fifth position in the world rankings. The seeding was adjusted as world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a knee injury and world number three Carlos Alcaraz was absent while recovering from a wrist issue. Top seed Alexander Zverev is scheduled to play Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the second round.

In the women’s event, Britain’s Katie Boulter was knocked out by Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Boulter, who had ended a five-match losing streak on the WTA Tour in the first round, lost 6-3, 6-3. Noskova served 10 aces and converted four of nine break points, breaking only once in return. The US Open is set to begin on August 30.