New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- Novak Djokovic endured punishing heat and humidity on Saturday as he battled through his second-round clash with Argentina's Thiago Tirante, eventually losing 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 in what could be his final appearance at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The match, which lasted more than two and a half hours, marked the 39-year-old's first outing since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner more than a month ago. Djokovic, a three-time Cincinnati champion, last lifted the title in 2023.

Novak Djokovic made a strong start, taking the opening set comfortably, but the conditions began to take a toll in the second.

He endured an exhausting 18-minute third game, saving four break points across nine deuces while repeat...