Novak Djokovic made an early exit from the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, losing to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in his first match since the Wimbledon semifinals.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 by the world No. 50 in a match lasting 2 hours and 44 minutes under hot and humid conditions.
Djokovic, ranked fifth in the world and a three-time Cincinnati champion, appeared to struggle physically during the match. The defeat ended his 10-match winning streak at the tournament.
The 39-year-old Serb said an unspecified health condition that has troubled him for several years made it particularly difficult to compete in hot and humid weather.
“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic told reporters.
He said heat and humidity had often caused problems and that the pressure and nerves of returning to competition had made the situation worse.
Djokovic had been playing his first tournament since losing to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals.
He also admitted that Saturday’s defeat could potentially mark his final appearance in Cincinnati.
“I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” Djokovic said when asked whether he would return. “But let’s see what the future brings.”
Djokovic saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced, but Tirante broke his serve in the ninth game of the deciding set before serving out the match.
Tirante, 25, described the victory as the biggest of his career.
“I think this is the best win of my career,” he said, praising his ability to handle the pressure of facing one of tennis’ greatest players.
Djokovic has enjoyed considerable success in Cincinnati, compiling a 45-13 record and winning the tournament in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
His next scheduled major event is the US Open, which begins in New York on Aug. 30.
In the women’s draw, Philippine player Alexandra Eala advanced after Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired during the second set because of an ankle injury.
Eala, ranked 20th in the world, won her first WTA singles title in Washington earlier this month and has now won eight of her last nine matches.
American Jessica Pegula also advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Simona Waltert.
The third-ranked Pegula improved her hard-court record in 2026 to 25-6. She won the Cincinnati title in 2024.