Djokovic reveals long-term health issue after collapsing during Cincinnati loss: ‘It’s bothered me for years’

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock second-round defeat at the 2026 Cincinnati Open, losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in his first match since Wimbledon.

The 39-year-old Serbian started strongly but struggled physically as the match progressed in hot and humid conditions. He received a medical timeout and appeared to vomit during the match before continuing to fight for nearly three hours.

Djokovic, who had won 10 straight matches in Cincinnati and claimed the title there in 2018, 2020 and 2023, was playing for the first time since his Wimbledon semifinal defeat by Jannik Sinner.

Despite his physical struggles, Djokovic saved 13 of 15 break points he faced. Tirante, ranked No. 50, eventually broke Djokovic in the ninth game of the deciding set before serving out the biggest victory of his career.

After the match, Djokovic revealed that an undisclosed health condition that has troubled him for several years becomes particularly difficult to manage in hot and humid conditions.

“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic said, adding that heat, humidity and match nerves can make the problem worse.

The defeat also raised doubts about whether Djokovic will return to Cincinnati. “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately,” he said.

Djokovic will now turn his attention to the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York.