Djokovic loses to Tirante in Cincinnati heat struggle

Novak Djokovic lost his opening match at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, falling to Argentina's Thiago Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, playing his first match since Wimbledon, was visibly struggling in the heat and humidity throughout the two-hour-45-minute contest.

Djokovic took a medical timeout after an exhausting 18-minute game in the second set, with a physiotherapist and doctor attending to him. Reports said he appeared to vomit on court. The Serb later told reporters he has a health condition that has bothered him for years, making it difficult to play in hot, humid conditions.

Tirante, ranked 50th, called it the best win of his career and said he managed the nerves of playing a legend. Djokovic said he hopes to return to Cincinnati but said it looks unlikely. He will next compete at the US Open starting August 30.