Novak Djokovic was knocked out in the second round of the Cincinnati Open by Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante, struggling with the heat and humidity in a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat.
Key facts
- Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
- The match was Djokovic's opening match at the Cincinnati Open, in the second round.
- Djokovic struggled with heat and humidity, squatting and bending over between points to catch his breath, according to the Guardian.
- The Guardian reported it was the biggest win of Tirante's career.
Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat at the Cincinnati Open, falling to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in the second round as heat and humidity took their toll, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
Djokovic took the opening set 6-2, but the Guardian reported that even while leading, he was already struggling badly with the conditions on court.
From the second set onwards, Djokovic spent much of his time between points squatting and bending over as he tried to catch his breath in what the Guardian described as the notorious Ohioan humidity.
Tirante capitalised, winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to complete a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
The Guardian reported that the Argentinian took the golden opportunity to register the biggest win of his career.
Why it matters
An early exit for one of the sport's biggest names is a significant upset at a major hard-court event. It highlights how extreme conditions can affect even elite players, giving lower-ranked opponents a rare chance to record career-defining wins.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the Djokovic match?
Thiago Agustin Tirante beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
Why did Djokovic struggle in the match?
The Guardian reported that heat and humidity took their toll, with Djokovic squatting and bending over between points to catch his breath from the second set onwards.
What did the win mean for Tirante?
The Guardian reported that the victory was the biggest win of Thiago Agustin Tirante's career.