Djokovic explains his problem with the heat: "It's due to a health issue I have"
The Serbian attended a press conference after his defeat in Cincinnati and revealed that his problem with the heat is due to a health issue.
Maximum concern over the images left by Novak Djokovic this afternoon at the ATP in Cincinnati. The Serbian collapsed physically after winning the first set comfortably and ended up struggling seriously with the intense heat and humidity in Ohio. In a press conference, the Belgrade native explained why these conditions do not suit him at all.
In exclusive statements collected by Sportklub, Djokovic reveals that he has been suffering from issues that prevent him from performing at his best when it's very hot. What happened today in Cincinnati, vomiting in the middle of the court, squatting during a game, and having trouble breathing properly, has raised all alarms for tennis fans.
Djokovic reveals in a press conference that he suffers from health issues
“First of all, I congratulate my opponent today. Honestly, it has not been an enjoyable match for me. That's how I felt. It hasn't been the first time and it won't be the last. That's how things are.”
“The conditions are not the problem. It’s due to a health issue that I have. I have been suffering from it for many years. It causes me many problems, especially when there is a lot of humidity and heat.”
“I knew that these conditions would affect me, but there are also other things: nerves and everything that comes with a match like this. All of that worsens the situation, and that is what happened.”
No creo que a Djokovic le compense pasar estos rato en pista.
Siempre sufrió por el calor y la humedad, pero en este 2026 ya ha tenido varios así y no es agradable verle vomitando dentro de la pista o en cuclillas porque no puede ni lidiar con las condiciones atmosféricas.
A un… https://t.co/Mdf8hPWEGJ pic.twitter.com/zsJKz0Wzu4— José Morón (@jmgmoron) August 15, 2026
About whether he will return to Cincinnati
“I hope to be able to do so, but unfortunately right now it seems more likely that I won’t. We’ll see what the future holds for us.”
Real concern about Novak Djokovic's condition
With only two weeks until the US Open, fans have raised alarms upon seeing Nole in very complicated conditions today, as it will likely be similar weather in New York regarding humidity and heat. We have already seen him in a similar situation several times this year, where his body has broken down after the first set, a clear indication that he can no longer withstand the same as he could years ago.
With the high regard he is held in this sport, it’s hard to see Nole like this, suffering so much on the court, vomiting and lying on the ground as he struggles to cope with the playing conditions. He has nothing to prove to anyone, which is why it’s difficult to see Djokovic tonight, where he was clearly outmatched by Tirante in Cincinnati and in playing conditions that no longer suit him at all.
Some time ago, perhaps not playing for one or two months would completely reset his body for a Slam, but as seen, maybe it’s no longer beneficial for him to be inactive for so long; and although he said before the tournament that after Wimbledon his body responded very well, without having match practice, his body no longer reacts in the same way.
Only time will defeat Djokovic. He is such a competitive animal that only time can shake his hand at the net as a winner. Certainly, the image we saw today of Nole is not what anyone would wish to see, and he himself must have realized that. With the US Open around the corner, being best of five sets, we will see what Djokovic we end up seeing.
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