Novak Djokovic ousted from Cincinnati Open in his first match since Wimbledon

MASON, Ohio (AP) — Novak Djokovic's brief appearance at the Cincinnati Open came to an end on Saturday. The 24-time major champion was defeated by Thiago Agustin Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 44 minutes in sweltering conditions. Tirante, a 25-year-old Argentinian ranked No. 50 globally, secured his victory after Djokovic, the current No. 5 player, had not played since his semifinal loss to top-ranked Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.

Djokovic, who had won the Cincinnati Open three times, appeared to be struggling in the heat and his winning streak in the city was broken. He saved 13 of the 15 break points he faced during the match. Tirante's win, which he dubbed "the best" of his career, came after he broke Djokovic's serve in the ninth game of the final set and then went on to claim the match.