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Novak Djokovic struggled with the heat and humidity as he fell to a shock defeat by Argentina’s Thiago Tirante in the second round of the Cincinnati Open.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 24-time Grand Slam champion dropped onto his hands and knees and took a medical timeout during the second set before eventually losing 2-6 6-4 6-4 to the South American, who is ranked 50th in the world.<\/p>\n
Djokovic, 39, the world number five, was making his first appearance since losing to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals at Wimbledon in July. <\/p>\n
The Serbian had never failed to reach at least the last 32 of the tournament in Ohio since making his debut in it in 2005.<\/p>\n
However, despite claiming the first set, Djokovic toiled badly after winning an 18-minute third game in the second set and appeared to vomit twice.<\/p>\n
A physio and a doctor both provided on-court assistance and both players returned to the dressing rooms after the second set. <\/p>\n
However, when play resumed Djokovic dropped serve in the ninth game of the third set and Tirante was able see out the match.<\/p>\n
“This is the best win of my career,” said the Argentine.<\/p>\n
“I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n