Novak Djokovic opens up about a long-term health problem and talks about retirement after tough loss in Cincinnati
Novak Djokovic opened up about a health issue he has been dealing with for years, just days after saying his body felt better than it had in a long time. This came after a tough loss at the Cincinnati Open against Thiago Agustin Tirante.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner lost a close match to the young Argentine player, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, in just under three hours. Djokovic struggled throughout the game, giving up 15 break points and only managing to save 13. Those break points helped Tirante come back from behind.
During the match, Djokovic looked more and more frustrated under the hot sun. At one point, he got down on his knees and took a medical timeout. He was even seen holding ice packs on both ears, clearly finding it hard to handle the heat. These tough moments reminded many of his past struggles with heat, like at recent US Opens where he was seen shaking and covering his face on the bench.
After the match, Djokovic explained that his health issue causes problems during hot and humid conditions. He shared that this isn’t the first time it’s affected him and probably won’t be the last. He also said it’s likely he won’t return to Cincinnati next year.
Before the tournament, Djokovic had said his body felt great, and he wanted to play one more event before the US Open. He had just lost in the Wimbledon semi-final to Jannik Sinner, who went on to win the tournament. Though Djokovic hasn’t had much success in recent Masters events, he needed the match to prepare for the big hardcourt Grand Slam.
But after the loss, he revealed the health problem is a constant challenge. “The conditions aren’t the issue; it’s this health problem I’ve lived with for many years,” he said. “It gets worse when it’s humid and hot.”
When asked about coming back to Cincinnati, Djokovic sounded realistic about his future. “It seems less likely I’ll play here again next year, but hopefully, I will,” he said.
Djokovic has said before he hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympics, but with this health struggle, it’s unclear how much longer he can keep playing at the top level.