Djokovic admits long-standing health problem behind Cincinnati exit, hints this may be his last visit
Novak Djokovic said a years-long health problem, not just Cincinnati’s heat and humidity, was behind his second-round loss to Thiago Agustin Tirante, and admitted he may not return to the tournament next year.
Novak Djokovic, Cincinnati 2026 | © Cincinnati Open
Novak Djokovic was beaten by Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, a match interrupted when the Serb appeared to vomit during a changeover in the second set, at 6-2, 2-2, before receiving a medical timeout.
Speaking to Serbia media Sportklub afterwards, he did not hide his frustration with how the match had gone. “First of all, congratulations to my opponent,” he said before going straigt to the point. “Honestly, this wasn’t a pleasant match for me at all, that’s how I felt. It’s not the first time, I suppose it won’t be the last, but it is what it is.”
Temperatures in Cincinnati reached 28 degrees Celsius with 80 percent humidity on Saturday, but Djokovic said the conditions were not the root cause of his struggles. “No, it’s simply a health problem I have,” he said. “It’s been bothering me for the last several years. I have a lot of issues, especially when there’s high humidity and heat.”
All of that makes the situation worse, and that’s exactly what happened.
Asked whether he had anticipated being at a disadvantage because of the weather, he said the physical toll was compounded by the pressure of competition itself. “Yes, I was,” he said. “But there are also all the other things, nerves and everything that comes with a match. All of that makes the situation worse, and that’s exactly what happened.”
The 39-year-old, who has won this event three times and arrived in Cincinnati on a 10-match winning streak at the tournament, suggested he may not be back next year. “I certainly hope I will,” he said, “but unfortunately, at this moment it seems more likely that I won’t. Still, we’ll see what the future brings.”
