Djokovic Reveals Lingering Health Issue Impacting Cincinnati Performance, Hints at Final Visit

Djokovic Admits Long-Standing Health Problem Behind Cincinnati Exit, Hints This May Be His Last Visit

August 17, 2026Carlos Mendoza1 мин

Speaking to Serbian media outlet Sportklub, Novak Djokovic expressed his dissatisfaction with his recent match. "First of all, congratulations to my opponent," he stated, then directly addressed his performance. "Honestly, this wasn’t a pleasant match for me at all, that’s how I felt.

Speaking to Serbian media outlet Sportklub, Novak Djokovic expressed his dissatisfaction with his recent match. "First of all, congratulations to my opponent," he stated, then directly addressed his performance. "Honestly, this wasn’t a pleasant match for me at all, that’s how I felt. It’s not the first time, I suppose it won’t be the last, but it is what it is."

Despite temperatures in Cincinnati reaching 28 degrees Celsius with 80 percent humidity on Saturday, Djokovic clarified that the weather conditions were not the primary reason for his struggles. "No, it’s simply a health problem I have," he revealed. "It’s been bothering me for the last several years. I have a lot of issues, especially when there’s high humidity and heat."

All of that makes the situation worse, and that’s exactly what happened.

When questioned about anticipating a disadvantage due to the weather, he explained that the physical strain was amplified by the inherent pressure of competition. "Yes, I was," he confirmed. "But there are also all the other things, nerves and everything that comes with a match. All of that makes the situation worse, and that’s exactly what happened."

The 39-year-old, who has triumphed at this event three times and entered Cincinnati on a ten-match winning streak, indicated that his return next year is uncertain. "I certainly hope I will," he said, "but unfortunately, at this moment it seems more likely that I won’t. Still, we’ll see what the future brings."