Novak Djokovic Stunned by Thiago Agustin Tirante in Cincinnati Open Second Round Amid Brutal Heat

Novak Djokovic of Serbia battled punishing heat and humidity before falling 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina on day five of the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio, US, on August 15, 2026. This unexpected defeat could mark the 24-time Grand Slam champion's final appearance at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters after a grueling two-and-a-half-hour battle.

Top-seeded Alexander Zverev experienced better fortune, overcoming a slow start to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Cameron Norrie. Britain's Norrie has now suffered eight consecutive losses against the German champion, who hopes this tournament will help him recover following an early exit in Canada.

Meanwhile, in the WTA draw, Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala advanced to the third round after her opponent, injured Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania, retired from the match during a weather delay. Eala is set to face ninth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova next.