Novak Djokovic has revealed that he has been dealing with a longstanding health issue that becomes particularly difficult to manage in hot and humid conditions,
after the 24-time Grand Slam champion struggled physically during his Cincinnati Open defeat.
Djokovic was visibly affected by the conditions during his second-round match against Argentina's Thiago AgustÍn Tirante. The 39-year-old was seen crouching on all fours between points, required a medical timeout and appeared to vomit into towels before eventually losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The defeat comes just days before the US Open, where Djokovic will arrive with questions surrounding his physical condition.
What health issue does Novak Djokovic have?
Djokovic did not specify the name or diagnosis of the condition when explaining his struggles in Cincinnati.
Instead, the Serbian said he has been dealing with a health issue for several years and that heat and humidity make it particularly difficult to manage.
"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. "
Djokovic said he expected difficult conditions in Cincinnati but found the combination of heat, humidity, nerves and other factors particularly challenging during the match.
The comments provide context for the physical problems he experienced against Tirante, but do not establish a specific medical diagnosis.
Novak Djokovic's struggles against Tirante
Djokovic initially appeared to be in control, taking the opening set 6-2.
The match then changed as the physical demands increased. Tirante won the second set 6-4 before taking the decider by the same score to complete the upset.
Djokovic's physical struggles became one of the defining features of the match, with the former world No. 1 requiring medical attention and appearing visibly unwell between points.
For a player preparing to compete at the US Open, the timing is significant.
Djokovic has remained one of the most successful players in men's tennis despite entering the later stages of his career, but managing his physical condition has become an increasingly important part of his preparation.
Novak Djokovic has dealt with several injuries during his career
The Cincinnati episode is the latest in a long list of physical challenges Djokovic has faced.
He experienced respiratory and heat-related problems earlier in his career and subsequently changed his diet after identifying gluten and dairy intolerance.
A chronic right elbow problem eventually required surgery in 2018, while he also played through an abdominal tear during his 2021 Australian Open title run.
Djokovic battled a left hamstring injury during his 2023 Australian Open campaign and suffered a torn meniscus at the 2024 French Open, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
Despite those setbacks, he has repeatedly managed to return to the highest level.
Novak Djokovic's uncertain Cincinnati future
The Serbian was also asked whether he expected to return to Cincinnati in 2027.
His response reflected the uncertainty surrounding his future schedule.
"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," Djokovic said.
The comment does not amount to a retirement announcement, but it underlines the changing priorities of a player who has spent more than two decades competing at the top of professional tennis.
Djokovic had previously acknowledged that age was becoming a consideration, while insisting that his desire to compete remained strong.
"I am being completely honest with you guys. I have asked this question also, but it's not like I think about it all the time," he said in 2023.
"The desire is still there, but things can change quickly - I am 36, I've been a pro for 20 years. "
What does this mean for Novak Djokovic ahead of the US Open?
The immediate concern is whether the conditions in Cincinnati were an isolated problem or a sign of a broader physical challenge heading into the final Grand Slam of the season.
Djokovic himself has linked the latest episode specifically to the combination of his longstanding health issue and hot, humid conditions. However, he has not publicly identified the condition, so it would be speculative to draw a medical conclusion from his Cincinnati performance.
What is clear is that Djokovic will have a short window to recover before turning his attention to the US Open.
At 39, the physical demands of a Grand Slam are increasingly significant, particularly if a player is required to navigate long matches and difficult weather conditions over multiple rounds.
For Djokovic, the challenge now is not simply preparing his tennis for New York. It is making sure his body can withstand the demands of another major campaign.
