Andy Roddick has urged restraint after Novak Djokovic’s early exit in Cincinnati, suggesting the result should not be read as a major warning sign with the US Open approaching.

Djokovic fell 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to world No 50 Thiago Agustin Tirante in his opening match at the Masters 1000 event last week. He controlled the first set, but as the contest wore on in the punishing afternoon heat and humidity in Mason, Ohio, he was visibly affected physically for extended stretches.

Following the defeat, Djokovic said he has been living with a health issue that has brought “a lot of issues.” He explained: “It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years. A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot,” said Djokovic.

At 39, Djokovic now shifts his attention to the US Open, where he will attempt to become the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in tennis history.

Roddick addressed the loss on his Served podcast and said he hoped more would eventually be known about the specific problem.

“I hope we learn more about what these specific issues are at some point,” said the 2003 US Open champion.

He also argued that the bigger picture matters more than one defeat in Cincinnati. “But irrespective of an issue that he has physically, [he’s] 39, you’re not playing matches. You rock up at Cincy, you play a guy who’s playing every week right now.

“He’s not getting out of the corners with a big shot, like when Tirante rips one to his forehand. Novak’s trying to hit it hard to get out of it, it’s not like he’s settling in for the long haul.

“Does this matter for anyone less than Novak in the entire universe — what he does at a Masters 1000? No.

“Most likely I am going to look at his draw at the [US] Open and be like, ‘Oh, he’s probably going to the semis.’

“Does it matter if he beats Tirante and beats one more person? Not really. I am happy that he’s in Cincinnati because – worst-case scenario – now he has two weeks where I know he is going to be in heat and playing practice sets against guys that are like 10 and 20 in the world.

“Does he need match conditions as much as everyone else in the world? No. Does he need to know how to navigate a five setter? No.

“Does he need to make sure he’s right physically… I don’t care who you are, going from playing practice sets in Greece against some person who is 600 in the world and then showing up and having a guy who can rip your head off — I don’t care who you are — you have to be playing against the competition that’s the best in the world with some sort consistency.

“So, I don’t know — he will be fine. I’m looking at the weather for New York, it’s going to be 75 degrees, that’s a lot different than Cincinnati.

“I think he can probably get away with finding those reps in practice more than anyone else in the world.”

Rennae Stubbs has sharply criticised the scheduling at the Canadian Open, arguing that tournament organisers left players exposed to unfair conditions after a punishing week in Toronto.

The issue came into focus after Elena Rybakina’s late-night semi-final victory over Coco Gauff, a three-set battle that ended at 1 am. Rybakina then had to return for the final against Iga Swiatek the following evening, a turnaround Stubbs believes was far too harsh. Swiatek, who looked fresher, won the title 6-2, 6-3, while Rybakina appeared to be running on empty in the showpiece.

Concerns about the draw and the calendar have only grown as the Masters 1000 events continue to stretch over long periods. Players, pundits and fans have all questioned the format, with some top names withdrawing injured and others visibly drained by the demands of an increasingly physical game.

On her podcast, Stubbs argued that the schedule showed little regard for recovery or balance. She said, “I was thinking to myself when Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina played in the final, you guys had 10 days to finish this event.

“And yet a player plays a semi-final and finishes at 1am and then has to come back the next day and play at 6pm. I do not understand how a sport can make one person suffer a lot more than the other and it’s supposed to be equal. That is not fair.

“Why are you starting at 7pm plus when you have all f***** day to play a tennis match? Now, do you want to play in the evening because people can come after work or it’s a little bit nicer of an experience and all that sort of stuff? Yeah, okay. But is Canada going to sell out in the day? Hell yeah.”

Stubbs later said the final being delayed by rain did not change her view that the semi-final and final were scheduled too close together. She also praised Swiatek’s return to form after a difficult period, but felt Rybakina was compromised by the timing.

Her co-host Caitlyn Thompson added that the ATP had promoted longer events as a way to provide more rest, but Stubbs said the reality had been the opposite. She concluded, “Start the f****** match in the day. It just bothers me to the nth degree that we are still continually f****** the players over with schedule.”

Carlos Alcaraz is edging toward a comeback, but a place at the US Open is still not guaranteed.

The Spaniard has been sidelined for five months after sustaining a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April. That setback ruled him out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and his return remains under careful watch as the summer progresses.

He is now back on court in Murcia, where he has been hitting with noticeable intensity alongside fellow ATP player Holger Rune. Even so, his availability for the US Open is still uncertain.

That uncertainty has prompted discussion around his possible appearance at the final Grand Slam of the season. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, addressed the situation on social media and offered a measured view of what Alcaraz’s comeback might mean.

Macci said: “If the Spanish Magician plays the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, TV ratings will be top tier. Coming off an injury and being the best on the planet will show his game and if his mind is still like granite.

“It is still 50/50 that he takes a bite of the Big Apple and wants to battle and grapple. Carlos will play when he feels ready to have fun but his overall comeback will take time to get to number one.”

If he does not make the US Open, the most likely next step would be the Laver Cup at the end of September. Alcaraz was among the first players to commit to the 2026 event, which will be held in London at The O2 Arena.

He has already played the competition in the past two seasons and has spoken positively about the team format, with Team Europe facing Team World. The event offers a competitive setting without the full pressure of the ATP Tour, which could make it a useful stage for him to regain rhythm.

Alcaraz could feature in both singles and doubles as he looks to test his wrist. After that, the schedule moves into a demanding stretch that includes the Asian swing, the indoor European swing, the final two Masters tournaments, and the ATP Finals.