Novak Djokovic was knocked out in the second round of the 2026 Cincinnati Open by Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante after struggling with heat and taking a medical timeout between sets [1, 2, 3]. The 39-year-old said the early loss, which took place from August 15 to 18, gave him additional time to prepare for the US Open in what he called "a most adequate way" [1]. "I don't like early losses anywhere, to be honest," Djokovic told reporters at Flushing Meadows on August 29, "but it gave me time to be preparing for the U.S. Open in a most adequate way" [1].
Djokovic, who is appearing at his 20th US Open and has won the event four times, is seeded fourth this year and will open against Argentine Mariano Navone [1, 2]. Despite the early exit, he said he feels as prepared as he can be physically and mentally. "If you ask me if I'm prepared, I feel like I am, as best as I can be, but it's different training and then getting out on the Arthur Ashe Stadium and playing best-of-five (sets)," Djokovic added [1].
The veteran player seeks a record 25th Grand Slam singles title amid a men's field wide open by the absence of injured Jannik Sinner and limited participation by wrist-injured Carlos Alcaraz [3]. Djokovic has shown consistent Grand Slam performance, reaching six semi-finals or better in his last seven events [3]. Reflecting on his long career, Djokovic said longevity was a key goal early on, aiming to maintain health for as many years as possible [2].
Meanwhile, women's field contender Elena Rybakina, recovering from a foot injury, said she is healthy in time for the US Open. "I didn’t play for exactly a week, and we consulted with different doctors. I have been doing the recovery. Slowly started to go on the court. Just a lot of gym," Rybakina said, targeting the No. 1 ranking [3].
The US Open begins shortly with Djokovic, aiming to extend his Grand Slam record, set to face Navone in the opening round [1, 2].
