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Novak Djokovic struggled with the heat and humidity as he fell to a shock defeat by Argentina’s Thiago Tirante.<\/p>\n
The 24-time Grand Slam champion dropped on to 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
“It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure,” Djokovic said. “The way I felt. Not the first and I guess not the last time, but it is what it is.”<\/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 provided on-court assistance and both players returned to the dressing rooms after the second set. <\/p>\n
When play resumed Djokovic dropped serve in the ninth game of the third set and Tirante was able see out the match.<\/p>\n
Djokovic said he is dealing with an underlying health condition.<\/p>\n
“It’s just a condition that I have, health wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic added. “[It causes] a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot.”<\/p>\n
Tirante called the victory the “best win of my career”, adding: “I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n