Mason, USA: Novak Djokovic's return to the Cincinnati Open ended in a three-set defeat as the 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten by Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante on Saturday.
Tirante, ranked No. 50 in the world, defeated the No. 5-ranked Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 44 minutes in hot and humid conditions.
The defeat came in Djokovic's first appearance since his loss to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals. He had been on a 10-match winning streak in Cincinnati.
The 39-year-old appeared to struggle physically in the heat and later said an unspecified health condition had made playing in hot and humid conditions difficult.
"It's just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years," Djokovic said. "A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot. I did anticipate it (would be humid), but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved that make it worse, and that's what happened."
Djokovic has enjoyed considerable success in Cincinnati, posting a 45-13 record and winning the title in 2018, 2020 and 2023. However, he was uncertain whether he would return to the tournament.
"I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately," Djokovic said. "But let's see what the future brings."
Djokovic saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced, but Tirante secured the decisive break in the ninth game of the final set before serving out the match.
"I think this is the best win of my career," Tirante said. "I think I really did a good job inside the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak."
Djokovic's next target is the US Open, which begins on 30 August in New York.
Eala, Pegula advance in women's draw
In the women's draw, Philippines' Alexandra Eala continued her strong run with a victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who stopped playing in the second set after suffering an ankle injury.
Eala, ranked No. 20, won her first WTA singles title in Washington earlier this month and has now won eight of her last nine matches.
American Jessica Pegula also advanced after beating Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2. The third-ranked Pegula improved her record to 25-6 on hard courts in 2026.
Pegula won the Cincinnati title in 2024.