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Novak Djokovic admits battle with health condition for 'past couple of years' as he prepares for US Open - 'A lot of issues' React to this story Novak Djokovic has said he is struggling with an ongoing health condition after he lost to Argentina's Thiago Tirante at the Cincinnati Open. It was the first match for Djokovic since he was defeated by Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals. Djokovic was clearly in discomfort at times during his meeting with world No. 50 Tirante on Saturday. He took a medical timeout during the second set and spoke after the 2-6 6-4 6-4 defeat about how bad the experience was. "It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure," Djokovic said. "The way I felt. Not the first and I guess not the last time, but it is what it is." Djokovic then told reporters that the issue he is dealing with is an underlying health condition. "It's just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years," Djokovic said. "[It causes] a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot." It was during the second set that the toils of Djokovic were most stark. He appeared to vomit twice and both a physio and doctor provided on-court assistance for him. Djokovic will hope to be in far better health for the final major of the tennis year, the US Open, which begins on August 30. The 39-year-old already has his place in history with 24 majors and has shown in recent times that he remains capable of reaching the business end of Grand Slam events. His run to the last four at the All England Club earlier this summer, before a comprehensive defeat to Sinner, shows what he can still offer. And his status in the sport means that it was very much a day to treasure for Tirante. "It's the best win of my career," Tirante said. "I managed the nerves of playing a legend like Novak. It was all so much pressure. "Thinking about my family and my friends that are in Argentina watching me, they are really happy to watch me on TV. They are in Argentina, but they are in my head as well." Elsewhere, Britain's Arthur Fery beat Australia's James Duckworth in his first match since making a shock run to the Wimbledon semi-finals. - Bautista Agut makes perfect start to new sporting career - Swiatek ends title drought as Shelton retains Canadian Open crown Victory for Fery, the world No. 37, means he is now through to the last 32 of the prestigious tournament. Fery saw off Duckworth 6-4 2-6 7-6(4) in two hours and 34 minutes as he makes his own preparations for the US Open. Cameron Norrie is out after a 3-6 6-3 6-3 defeat to recent Wimbledon runner-up Alexander Zverev. Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. Watch and stream top tennis action, including the 2027 Australian Open and 2027 French Open, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max