Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic, has revealed that an unspecified health condition has been bothering him for several years following his second-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open.
The 39-year-old struggled physically during his clash with Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante on Saturday, appearing to vomit at one point before taking a medical timeout.
The match lasted nearly three hours before Tirante completed a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Speaking after the defeat, Djokovic admitted that the match was difficult, saying, “It’s just a condition that I have, healthwise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years. A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot.”
He also described the encounter as “not an enjoyable” match.
Djokovic said he had anticipated the humid conditions would be challenging but explained that other factors, including nerves, “make it worse.”
Despite his struggles, the Serbian star saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced.
Tirante, however, broke his serve in the ninth game of the deciding set before serving out the match.
The defeat leaves Djokovic with a 45-13 record at the Cincinnati Open and has cast doubt over whether he will return to the tournament.
Asked whether he would compete there again, Djokovic said, “I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.”
The Cincinnati Open was Djokovic’s first tournament since losing to Italy’s Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July.
He had also withdrawn from the Canadian Open earlier this month as he prepared for the US Open.
The final Grand Slam of the year begins on August 30, with Djokovic having won the tournament four times.
