A Rocky Start Gives Way to a Famous Win
Novak Djokovic looked to be cruising when he took the opening set 6-2, but Thiago Agustin Tirante had other ideas. The young Argentine refused to fold, clawing back to win the next two sets and send the Serbian packing from the Cincinnati Open at the second-round stage. For Djokovic, it marked the earliest he had exited the tournament since 2007, when Carlos Moya ended his run. The sheer span of time between those two early exits underlines just how remarkably consistent Djokovic has been throughout his career.
With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both absent from the draw, Djokovic was considered one of the frontrunners for the title. However, health problems resurfaced and he could not find the level needed to contain Tirante's growing confidence as the match wore on.
Tirante Opens Up on Nerves and Team Support
Speaking to the Tennis Channel after the victory, Tirante was refreshingly honest about how daunting the occasion felt. He admitted the first set showed how anxious he was, noting he had never even practiced with Djokovic before their meeting on the central court. His team's pre-match advice, boiling down to a simple message of never giving up, proved to be the turning point in his mindset.
For Djokovic, the focus now shifts to Flushing Meadows and the US Open, where he will chase a record 25th Grand Slam title. When asked about returning to Cincinnati, he was measured but uncertain, leaving the door open without making promises.
TennisDraw users had Djokovic penciled deep into the Cincinnati bracket, making Tirante's run one of the tournament's biggest bracket-busting moments so far.
