Novak Djokovic’s run on the Cincinnati Masters got here to an finish within the second spherical.
The third seed was defeated by world No. 50 Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina, who got here from a set all the way down to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The match lasted two hours and 44 minutes, with the demanding situations and excessive humidity making the competition notably difficult, particularly within the second half.
Novak made a assured begin, with two breaks of serve giving him a commanding benefit. He secured the primary early within the set, whereas Tirante had two consecutive alternatives to interrupt again within the seventh sport however didn’t convert both. Novak punished the missed probabilities with one other break within the last sport and, after 44 minutes, took the opening set 6-2.
The second set changed into a protracted and bodily demanding battle. The third sport alone lasted 18 minutes and featured 23 factors, with the Serbian finally coming by means of after a prolonged trade. As a result of extraordinarily troublesome situations and excessive humidity, Novak then requested a medical timeout. After play resumed, Tirante levelled the set, whereas Novak managed to come back by means of one other demanding service sport regardless of visibly struggling bodily. The turning level got here within the seventh sport, when the Argentine raised his degree, put stress on the Serbian and earned the break. He then consolidated his benefit and held on to take the set 6-4, levelling the match at one set apiece.
Novak appeared significantly higher at first of the deciding set. Neither participant managed to create a break level till the ninth sport, when Tirante stepped up his degree, utilized stress and waited for Novak to make errors. He secured the essential break after which served out the match comfortably to finish the comeback.
Novak’s subsequent match would be the US Open, the ultimate Grand Slam of the season, which takes place from August 30 to September 13, 2026.
It will likely be Novak’s twentieth look on the US Open. He has lifted the trophy 4 occasions in New York – in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023.
Final 12 months, Novak reached the semifinals, the place he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz.
Picture: Profimedia
