Djokovic says long-running health issue affected Cincinnati defeat
Novak Djokovic said a persistent health problem worsened in Ohio after his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Open.
Novak Djokovic said a health condition he has dealt with for years affected him during his second-round exit at the Cincinnati Open in Ohio on Saturday. The 39-year-old lost to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante and struggled in the heat and humidity, according to reports from the tournament.
Djokovic was seen dropping to his knees on court and later appeared to be sick into a towel during the match, which ended 6-2, 4-6, 4-6. He said the weather made the problem harder to manage.
The defeat was a surprise result for the 24-time major champion, who had been expected to advance further in the hard-court event. Tirante, ranked 50th in the world, took the win in three sets.
Djokovic did not identify the condition in detail, but said it had been an issue for many years. The Cincinnati Open is part of the build-up to the US Open.
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