Shock Cincinnati Exit
Thiago Tirante Stuns Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati Open Upset, Ends 10-Match Winning Streak
Key Points
Djokovic equaled Feliciano Lopez's record for most ATP Masters 1000 appearances (139) during the Cincinnati match.
Tirante produced five love holds in the match, underscoring his steady serving pressure against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Tirante will face Martin Landaluce in the third round of Cincinnati after the upset over Djokovic.
Djokovic received a medical timeout in the second set with ice towels, with on-court medical staff treating cramps and dehydration.
The match lasted 2 hours and 44 minutes, and Djokovic saved 13 of 15 break points as Tirante pressured him throughout the contest.
Thiago Tirante knocked out Novak Djokovic at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 44 minutes of brutal heat and humidity. The upset snapped Djokovic's 10-match winning streak at the tournament and raised serious questions about his fitness heading into the US Open, according to Sky Sports.
Tirante, an Argentine ranked outside the top 50, moved to 4-1 all-time against Top 10 players with the win. It was Djokovic's first match since Wimbledon — and it showed, World Tennis Magazine reported.
Heat and Cramps Derailed Djokovic in Second Set
Djokovic dominated the first set, winning it 6-2. Then the Cincinnati summer hit hard. In the second set, Djokovic called a medical timeout. On-court staff treated him with ice towels as he battled cramps and dehydration, according to Sky Sports. He never fully recovered his rhythm after that.
Tirante took full advantage. He produced five love holds across the match, keeping his serve rock-solid under pressure. Djokovic saved 13 of 15 break points, but that fight came at a cost — his legs and energy faded as the match wore on, Coast FM reported.
Tirante's Crosscourt Forehand Sealed the Comeback
Djokovic tried to claw back in the third set. He made a late surge that brought him close. But Tirante stayed composed. His crosscourt forehand was a standout weapon all match. When Tirante reached triple match point, Djokovic's exit was only a matter of time, according to Head Topics.
Tirante's consistency from the baseline made it hard for Djokovic to find openings. The Argentine played aggressive tennis without losing control. That combination — power plus steadiness — was too much for a tired Djokovic to handle under the steamy Ohio conditions, World Tennis Magazine noted.
A Historic Milestone in a Painful Loss for Djokovic
Despite the defeat, Djokovic reached a notable mark. He equaled Feliciano Lopez's record of 139 ATP Masters 1000 appearances during the match, according to Mansfield 103. It was a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult day for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic has now played very few hard-court matches ahead of the US Open. His limited tune-up time, combined with his struggles in heat and humidity, puts his preparation under the spotlight. The US Open starts in just days, and Djokovic's stamina will be a key question, Sky Sports reported.
Tirante Advances as Cincinnati Sees Top Seeds Fall
Tirante will next face Martin Landaluce in the third round. He is part of a wave of younger players making noise at Cincinnati this week. Several recent champions have also been eliminated early, making the draw wide open, according to Head Topics.
Tirante's win over Djokovic is his biggest career result. He is proving that his top-10 record is no fluke. At 4-1 against the elite, the Argentine is building a reputation as a dangerous opponent on any surface, World Tennis Magazine noted.
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