Djokovic’s Struggles in Cincinnati
Novak Djokovic faced significant challenges during his opening match at the Cincinnati Open, ultimately falling to Thiago Agustín Tirante of Argentina. Despite initially leading by a set, Djokovic appeared to struggle with the intense Ohioan humidity and heat throughout the match. He was defeated 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
During the second set, Djokovic was frequently seen squatting and bending between points, attempting to recover his breath. Early in the second set, while leading 6-2, 2-1, he called for medical attention, vomiting into a towel and having his blood pressure checked. He continued to play at a reduced pace for much of the encounter.
Following the match, Djokovic acknowledged his difficulties. He stated, “It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure, the way I felt.” He attributed his struggles to a health issue that has affected him for several years, particularly in humid and hot conditions. He also noted that the nerves and pressure of match play exacerbated the situation.
Tirante Capitalises on Opportunity
Thiago Agustín Tirante, a 25-year-old Argentinian, maintained his strength throughout the match, capitalising on Djokovic’s physical issues. Known for his powerful serve, Tirante effectively used his serve and forehand to push Djokovic behind the baseline. This victory marks the biggest win of Tirante’s career.
The world No 50 now holds a 4-1 record against top 10 opponents, demonstrating his ability to perform against highly ranked players. His consistent play allowed him to secure the win as Djokovic’s condition deteriorated.
For Djokovic, early exits from non-Grand Slam events have become more common in recent years. The 39-year-old has often prioritised Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympics, with his results reflecting this focus. This was only his third non-Grand Slam tournament of the season, and he has not reached the quarter-finals in any of them, compiling a 2-3 record across appearances at Indian Wells, Rome, and Cincinnati.
Future Outlook and Other Matches
When asked about a potential return to Cincinnati, Djokovic expressed uncertainty, stating, “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.” His preparation for this tournament included a promotional tour for an upcoming documentary and time spent in the United States during the World Cup.
Djokovic had intended to use the Cincinnati Open to gain match practice before the US Open. However, he now faces the challenge of quickly finding his form in New York as he aims to continue his strong Grand Slam performances, having reached at least the semi-finals in six of his last seven appearances at such events.
In other matches, Arthur Fery made a successful debut in the Cincinnati Open main draw. He defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4) to advance to the third round. This victory marks Fery’s first main draw win at a Masters 1000 event, following a four-week break after reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
Fery will now face a significant challenge in the third round against the fifth seed, Alex de Minaur. De Minaur advanced after recovering from a set down to beat qualifier Quentin Halys 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).
Source: theguardian.com