RismadarVoice Reporters, August 30, 2026
Novak Djokovic has said his early exit from the Cincinnati Open gave him valuable time to prepare for the US Open, where he will attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The Serbian world number five was eliminated in the second round in Cincinnati after losing to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. Djokovic struggled with the intense heat during the match and required a medical timeout.
Despite admitting that he does not enjoy early defeats, the 39-year-old said the unexpected break allowed him to focus on improving his physical and mental condition ahead of the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.
“I don’t like early losses anywhere, to be honest, but it gave me time to be preparing for the U.S. Open most adequately,” Djokovic told reporters in Flushing Meadows.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he spent the following weeks training and ensuring his body and mind were ready for the demanding best-of-five-set matches at the US Open.
“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,” he said.
Djokovic acknowledged that the opening rounds of major tournaments have become increasingly challenging in recent years but expressed confidence in overcoming the early hurdles.
The Serbian will make his 20th US Open appearance, a tournament he has won four times. He said maintaining longevity and staying healthy throughout his career had always been among his major goals.
“Longevity was always one of the goals when I was younger, trying to have a long career, trying to have more shots at Grand Slams, and stay healthy long enough so that I can perform for as many years as possible,” Djokovic said.
The fourth seed will begin his US Open campaign against Argentina’s Mariano Navone as he continues his pursuit of another historic Grand Slam milestone.
