Novak Djokovic’s first appearance at the Cincinnati Open since 2023 ended quickly, with the veteran falling in his opening match and leaving the court after a difficult afternoon in hot, humid conditions.

Playing for the first time since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner last month, Djokovic began well enough by taking the opening set. But the match then turned sharply as Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina grew into the contest and Djokovic struggled to cope with the conditions.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared uncomfortable throughout the latter stages, at one point gesturing toward his box as he tried to understand why he was having so much trouble managing the heat. His energy dropped as the match went on, and he was sick on court before eventually losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

After the match, Djokovic was asked whether this might have been his last outing in Cincinnati. He did not close the door completely, but his answer carried uncertainty.

“I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.”

He also pointed to the physical issues that have been affecting him in recent years, saying they become especially difficult when the weather is humid and hot.

“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.”

For Tirante, the result was the most significant win of his career. He handled the pressure of facing one of the sport’s most accomplished players and stayed composed when the key moments arrived.

“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.”

Alex Eala has outlined what she would consider a successful run at the 2026 Cincinnati Open as she prepares for her first appearance at the WTA 1000 event.

The world No. 20 arrives in Cincinnati on the back of a strong North American hard-court stretch, having reached the fourth round at the Canadian Open and won the Washington Open. The 21-year-old Filipina begins her campaign against world No. 74 Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

In her pre-tournament press conference, Eala spoke warmly about finally reaching the event, while also stressing that recent results do not offer any guarantees.

“I am super excited to be here in Cincinnati for the first time. Hopefully the weather will get better as time goes by, but I think the facility is amazing. Momentum is a thing, I guess, but it’s not concrete and it doesn’t give you any hundred percent answers, right? So momentum can help. A lot of matches can help with your confidence, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”

Asked about the standout moments of her recent rise, Eala pointed to Wimbledon and Washington as the two experiences that have stayed with her most.

“It would have to be between Wimbledon and and Washington, of course. I think playing on Centre Court and winning in such fashion against a great players, I mean, something I’ll never forget and it was my first win on Centre. So, crazy, crazy experience and, of course, everyone says you’ll never forget your first title. So, it’s like kind of like my two babies if you want to pick.”

Eala also reflected on Filipino culture, describing it through a few core values, and said her recent visit home gave her a clearer sense of her impact. She added that seeing support firsthand was eye-opening, especially when people shared how tennis and national pride had shaped their lives.

On comparisons with Manny Pacquiao, she said the reference was flattering but also made clear that the two paths remain distinct. For Eala, the defining measure in Cincinnati is not simply results, but the quality she can bring on court.

“I think it’s just the level that I play. And of course, the more matches, the merrier, right? But it’s the matches of substance and it’s the ones that… did I execute what I want to execute? Did I bring the level that I wanted to bring? So, if I lose first round, but it’s a really good match, not to say that it’s a successful week, but it wasn’t a bad one. And if I reach the final, then I’ll take that too (laughs).”

Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski has argued that Alex Eala has little reason to be troubled by the demanding shape of her 2026 Cincinnati Open draw.

Eala, seeded 17th in Cincinnati, has opened with a first-round bye and is scheduled to meet world No. 74 Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the second round. If results follow the projected path, the world No. 20 would then run into Amanda Anisimova, the ninth seed and a two-time Grand Slam finalist, in the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament.

The 21-year-old Filipina arrives in Cincinnati with strong recent form behind her. She has won 10 of her last 12 matches and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the Canadian Open either side of her title run at the Washington Open.

On the latest edition of his Off Court With Greg Rusedski podcast, the 1997 US Open finalist backed Eala to handle the situation, calling her “the one to look out for in Cincinnati.”

“Obviously Eala, even though she didn’t win the tournament (Canada) had a seven-match win streak on the WTA Tour, which was impressive,” said the 1997 US Open finalist.

“By match eight against [Belinda] Bencic, she ran out of gas a little bit. So, she’s the one to look out for in Cincinnati.”

Rusedski also discussed whether Eala could break into the top 10 of the WTA Rankings by the end of the US Open, while addressing the challenge of her Cincinnati assignment.

“Yeah, no question about it,” said the former British No 1.

“But why should she care whether she’s playing [Amanda] Anisimova, or whoever’s in the section?

“Look at the people she beat to win Washington — it was world-class players from start to finish. Then she goes to Toronto running on fumes and emotions and still wins a couple of matches, as well.

“So, I’m not worried about it. She competes, she fights, she’s so mentally tough that it doesn’t matter who’s in her way.

“You’ve got to play great tennis to beat her. And I see her only going one direction, and that’s up.”

Rusedski had already played down concerns about Eala’s workload before the US Open.

“I feel like physically she’s already in good shape, she’s strong mentally — the mind and body go hand in hand. And when you’re young, the body bounces back a lot quicker than when you get into your 30s and later years,” said Rusedski.

“So, I’m not worried about that. She’ll play Cincy, and then she’ll have a week off to prepare for the US Open. That’s what all the big names do, so for me, there’s no concern.”