Novak Djokovic in questionable health after crashing out of Cincinnati Open

In his first match since losing against Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals last month, Djokovic looked out of sorts as he lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 against Thiago Agustin Tirante from Argentina.

Djokovic made a positive start as he won the first set, but the hot and humid conditions appeared to be too much for him as he lost his way and was sick on court as he failed to adapt to the heat.

The 24-time Grand Slam-winning legend was gesturing to his box and asking them why he was struggling to handle the conditions before he finally ran out of energy and handed Tirante that win he will cherish.

Djokovic spoke to the media after the match and he was asked whether this may have been his final match in Cincinnati.

While he is always evasive when asked about when he might call time on his career, his answer this time may have been telling.

When asked if he expected to play in Cincinnati again, he stated: "I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let's see what the future brings."

He went on to explain why he struggled in the conditions and admitted it has become an ongoing problem in recent years.

"It's just the condition that I have health-wise," he stated. "It's been bothering me for the last couple of years. And a lot of issues, especially when it's humid and hot."

"It is all these things. Nerves and everything involved makes it worse. So that's what happened."

As he suggested, this is not the first time Djokovic has struggled in these kind of conditions and he will face more of the same when he plays at the US Open next month.

With fitness doubts over world No 1 Jannik Sinner and No 2 Carlos Alcaraz heading into the final Grand Slam of the year, Djokovic may have felt his moment had arrived to win a 25th Grand Slam title.

Yet he may now be wondering whether his legendary powers of resilience are slipping at the age of 29, with this latest defeat continuing his poor run of form in tournaments outside of Grand Slams.

Tirante was not complaining, as he recorded a win against the game's most successful male player of all-time.

"This is the best win of my career," declared Tirante. "I really did a good job on the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak. Now I feel relieved.

"It is all so much pressure when you cannot break [serve]. I had so many points to break and I couldn't, so that was the key. Keep believing in myself with my team and think about it after the match."

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