Thiago Tirante beat Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and got the best win of his career

Novak Djokovic suffered his sixth loss of the year in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 on Saturday, falling to Argentine player Thiago Tirante with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. The match took place on the main court of the tournament, which serves as a warm-up for the upcoming US Open. Djokovic, currently ranked fifth in the world, was the third favorite in the draw and has previously won the event three times. This defeat marks another step back in his otherwise dominant career. Djokovic struggled throughout the match, citing physical discomfort and breathing difficulties exacerbated by the heat and humidity of the Ohio region. He admitted during a post-match press conference that he felt unwell and described the conditions as challenging. “It wasn’t a pleasant match for me because of how I felt,” he said. “It’s a health issue that has been bothering me over the years, especially when there's heat and humidity, and nerves make it worse.” Djokovic praised Tirante for his performance, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a rising star. The victory was particularly significant for Tirante, who secured his most notable win of the season. At 25 years old and ranked 50th in the world, Tirante defeated one of tennis' greatest legends. This marked the first time an Argentine had beaten Djokovic since Juan Martín del Potro did so at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Tirante remained composed after the win, shaking hands with Djokovic and showing signs of disbelief before celebrating. His victory came after a grueling two-hour and 44-minute match, during which he faced multiple break points and showed remarkable resilience. Tirante, who had already won against British qualifier Jan Choinski earlier in the tournament, will face Spanish player Martín Landaluce in the next round. His win over Djokovic adds to his impressive record this year, including victories over top-ten players such as Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz. The Argentine’s performance in Cincinnati highlights his growing reputation as a formidable contender on the ATP Tour. Djokovic, who made his debut directly in the second round due to being among the prequalified players, appeared visibly affected by the conditions. During the match, he sought medical assistance midway through the second set, indicating his struggle with both physical and environmental factors. Despite his efforts, Djokovic found himself increasingly reliant on his serve, while Tirante maintained consistency and control. The match saw Djokovic attempt to push forward with limited energy, but Tirante’s steady play proved too much to overcome. Djokovic’s future in the sport remains uncertain. While he expressed hope of returning to Cincinnati in 2027, he acknowledged the challenges ahead. “I definitely hope to come back, but unfortunately, it seems unlikely right now,” he said. Djokovic, who has played fewer tournaments this year compared to previous seasons, faces the US Open next, where the heat and humidity are expected to be even more intense. With only one official match since Wimbledon, where he lost to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic’s preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year will be crucial. Brad Gilbert, a respected former coach of Andre Agassi and current television commentator, commented on Djokovic’s situation, noting the increasing difficulty of maintaining peak form with a reduced schedule. “It will become harder for Djoker to perform at his highest level playing so few events,” Gilbert wrote on social media. “When he was winning and younger, a limited calendar wasn’t an issue. I believe the majors are better for him right now.” As Djokovic prepares for the US Open, the tennis world watches closely. His recent performances suggest a decline in form, though his experience and skill remain formidable. For Tirante, the victory represents a milestone in his career, marking a potential turning point in his journey toward greater recognition on the global stage.