Mason: Novak Djokovic made a brief exit from the Cincinnati Open, and it could mark his final appearance at the tournament.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante on Saturday in a match lasting two hours and 44 minutes amid hot and humid conditions.

Tirante, a 25-year-old native of Argentina ranked 50th globally, upset Djokovic — a three-time Cincinnati winner and world No. 5 — who was competing for the first time since his semifinal loss to top-ranked Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.

Djokovic will next turn his attention to the US Open, which commences on Aug 30 in New York.

The 39-year-old appeared physically hampered by the heat as his 10-match winning streak in Cincinnati came to an end. He told reporters that an undisclosed medical issue has hindered his performance in hot and muggy weather.

"It's just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years," Djokovic said. "A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot. I did anticipate it (would be humid), but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved that make it worse, and that's what happened."

Despite a storied career in Cincinnati boasting a 45-13 match record and titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023, Djokovic expressed doubt about returning.

"I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately," Djokovic said. "But let's see what the future brings."

Djokovic fended off 13 of 15 break points throughout the contest. Tirante broke Djokovic's serve in the ninth game of the final set before serving out the match.

"I think this is the best win of my career," Tirante said. "I think I really did a good job inside the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak."

Eala and Pegula Advance in Women's Draw

In the women's event, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines extended her strong run of form following a victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who surrendered the first set before retiring in the second set due to an ankle injury. Eala — ranked 20th in the WTA rankings — captured her maiden WTA singles title in Washington earlier this month and has won eight of her previous nine fixtures.

American Jessica Pegula defeated Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2, building her hard-court record to 25-6 in 2026. Pegula, ranked third in the world, previously won the Cincinnati title in 2024.

AP