By admin 
Tennis legends like Novak Djokovic have already achieved everything they could have possibly dreamed of, and then some. Yet, their love for the sport continues to keep them going long after most players would have walked away.
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For Djokovic, however, the physical demands of competing at the highest level are becoming increasingly difficult. The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a surprising second-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open, losing to Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante in three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The Serbian struggled physically throughout the contest and required a medical timeout during the second set after dropping to his hands and knees. At one point, he also appeared to be vomiting into a towel as the extreme heat and humidity took its toll.
Novak Djokovic is vomiting in Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/ra2PovCrYk
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) August 15, 2026
What Health Issue Does Novak Djokovic Have?
Following the defeat, Djokovic revealed that he had been dealing with a longstanding health condition that becomes particularly difficult to manage in hot and humid conditions.
“It’s because of a health issue I have,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “I’ve been dealing with it for many years now. It causes me a lot of problems, especially when there’s a lot of humidity and heat.”
The Serbian admitted that he had anticipated the difficult conditions in Cincinnati, but the combination of the weather, nerves, and other factors ultimately made the situation worse during his match against Tirante.
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The physical struggles also raised questions about Djokovic’s future at the Cincinnati Open. When asked whether he planned to return to the tournament in 2027, the 39-year-old gave a surprisingly uncertain response.
“I certainly hope so, but unfortunately, at this point it seems more likely that I won’t. However, we’ll see what the future holds.”
Will Novak Djokovic Play the 2026 US Open?
Djokovic will now turn his attention to the US Open, which begins on August 30. He is also scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles event alongside Aryna Sabalenka.
One thing is clear: the upcoming US Open might not be easy for Novak Djokovic, even with Carlos Alcaraz still working his way back to full fitness and Jannik Sinner dealing with his own knee concerns. The biggest challenge for the 39-year-old Serbian is increasingly becoming his own body, and the physical toll of competing against the best players in the world.
Yet, Djokovic has always been known as a fighter. Irrespective of the conditions or the obstacles in front of him, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has repeatedly found ways to keep going. With a record 25th Grand Slam title still within his sights, Djokovic will once again look to defy his age and physical limitations at Flushing Meadows.
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This story was originally published August 16, 2026 at 11:48 AM.