Novak Djokovic Stunned by Thiago Agustin Tirante in Cincinnati Open Upset

Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise early exit at the Cincinnati Open after Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday.

The match lasted 2 hours and 44 minutes and was played in hot and humid conditions. Djokovic, ranked No. 5 in the world, was competing for the first time since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals.

Thiago Agustin Tirante produces biggest win of his career

Tirante, a 25-year-old Argentine ranked No. 50 in the world, recovered brilliantly after losing the opening set. Djokovic took the first set 6-2, but Tirante responded by winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-4.

The Argentine remained composed despite facing one of the most successful players in Tennis history. He saved the opportunity to capitalize on Djokovic’s physical struggles and eventually secured the biggest victory of his career.

Speaking after the match, Tirante described the victory as the best win of his career and praised his ability to handle the pressure of playing against Djokovic.

“I think this is the best win of my career.”

Djokovic struggles in hot and humid conditions

Djokovic appeared to struggle physically throughout the contest as the demanding Cincinnati conditions took their toll. The Serbian later revealed that an unspecified health condition has affected him particularly during hot and humid matches for several years.

Djokovic explained that the combination of humidity, heat and the nerves surrounding an important match made the situation more difficult.

“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years.”

Despite his physical difficulties, Djokovic fought hard and saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced. However, Tirante eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the ninth game of the final set before serving out the match.

Could this be Djokovic’s final Cincinnati appearance?

The defeat ended Djokovic’s 10-match winning streak in Cincinnati and added uncertainty surrounding his future at the tournament.

Djokovic is a three-time Cincinnati champion, having lifted the title in 2018, 2020 and 2023. He owns an impressive 45-13 record at the event.

However, when asked whether he would return to Cincinnati in the future, the 39-year-old admitted that it currently appears unlikely, although he left the door open for another appearance.

“I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately.”

US Open now awaits Novak Djokovic

Djokovic’s attention will now turn toward the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York. The Cincinnati defeat gives the Serbian limited competitive preparation ahead of the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

His performance in Cincinnati also highlights the physical challenges he may face during the hard-court swing, particularly in difficult weather conditions.

Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula advance

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Philippines’ Alexandra Eala continued her impressive run with a victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Ruse was forced to stop playing in the second set because of an ankle injury.

Eala, ranked No. 20 in the world, recently won her first WTA singles title in Washington and has now won eight of her last nine matches.

American Jessica Pegula also advanced after defeating Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2. The third-ranked Pegula improved her 2026 hard-court record to 25-6 and will look to repeat her Cincinnati success after winning the tournament in 2024.

For Djokovic, however, the focus will remain firmly on his unexpected Cincinnati exit and his preparations for the upcoming US Open.