Thiago Agustin Tirante produced one of the surprises of the Cincinnati Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the second round and ending the three-time champion’s run earlier than expected.

Djokovic opened with a straightforward 6-2 first set, but Tirante responded strongly to claim the next two sets and send the Serbian out at the second-round stage. The result was a major setback for Djokovic, who had arrived among the leading contenders with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner not in the draw. His physical problems resurfaced, and he was unable to find a way past the Argentine.

Tirante will now move on to meet Martina Landaluce for a place in the fourth round of the Masters 1000 event.

After the match, Tirante reflected on the pressure of facing Djokovic for the first time. Speaking to The Tennis Channel, he said: “I was very nervous. I think the people saw it in the first set. I think I don’t do very well, you know. It was my first meeting with him. I don’t even practice with him never.

“So it was all new for me to play in the central court here against him. You say Novak and you think tennis, you know? So yeah, I was very nervous, but I think I do very good my job after with my team to give that off.

“I spoke with my team before the match, [they said] ‘Never give up’. I think that’s was the key, keep believing in me and and in my team because it was very very tough but I think that helped me because I don’t have more nerves after that game because I very tired.”

Djokovic did not close the door on another Cincinnati appearance before the end of his career. In his post-match press conference, he said: “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.”

The match marked Djokovic’s first Cincinnati Open appearance since 2023, when he lifted the title. He has now won three titles at the Ohio event, but this was the first time since 2007 that he was beaten in the second round. That earlier defeat came against Carlos Moya, who retired in 2010, underlining Djokovic’s remarkable longevity on the ATP Tour.

His next scheduled event is the US Open, where he will continue his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title. He is expected to be the fifth seed at Flushing Meadows, depending on how the rest of the Cincinnati Open unfolds.

Alex Eala’s strong stretch on North American hard courts carried into Cincinnati, where she opened her campaign with another convincing display and a further sign of how quickly her standing in the game is changing.

Seeded No 17 at the WTA 1000 event, Eala improved her recent hard-court record in North America to 8-1 after defeating Elena-Gabriela Ruse. She was ahead 6-1, 3-0 when Ruse was forced to retire, but the performance still reflected the level Eala has been producing in recent weeks.

“I think that I was playing well, I think I felt the ball good, was really focused and tried to keep myself in the zone, I think I did a good job of that,” said Eala.

“Of course, nobody likes to finish a match with a retirement, first and foremost, I just want to wish Gabriela-Ruse a speedy recovery. Injuries aren’t fun, so I hope she recovers soon.”

A large crowd was again on hand for her match, with Philippine flags prominent among the support. Eala said the growing attention around her has altered her routine, but in a way she is welcoming.

“My days have gotten a little more packed with the commitments and spending time with you guys (the media), but obviously in a very good way, and I’m enjoying it a lot,” added Eala.

“I think it’s a good sign, and it’s helping me become, I guess, a stronger player and be more kind of established on tour.”

Her victory lifted her to a career-high No 18 in the live WTA Rankings. The next challenge is Amanda Anisimova, the 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist. Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Eala is ready for that test, pointing to her title run in Washington earlier this month and her ability to keep competing through a demanding schedule.

“Why should she care whether she’s playing an Anisimova, whoever’s in the section?” asked Rusedski on his podcast.

“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.”

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.”