Djokovic suffers in heat as Tirante pulls off shock Cincinnati upset

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock second-round exit at the Cincinnati Open, losing to Argentina's Thiago Tirante, the world number 50, despite the 24-time Grand Slam champion taking the opening set. Djokovic eventually fell 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 as he battled the heat and humidity throughout the match.

It was the 39-year-old's first tournament appearance since his semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July. The world number five had never previously failed to reach at least the last 32 in Cincinnati since his debut there in 2005.

Visible distress on court

After winning the first set, Djokovic's condition worsened following an 18-minute third game in the second set. He dropped to his hands and knees, took a medical timeout, and appeared to vomit twice during the match. Both a physio and a doctor treated him on court, and both players left for the dressing rooms after the second set concluded.

When the match resumed, Djokovic lost his serve in the ninth game of the third set, allowing Tirante to close out the win.

"This is the best win of my career," Tirante said afterwards. "I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure."