Silent Serb Djoko carrying health problem into USO

Novak Djokovic is keeping tight-lipped about the unspecified health problem which contributed to his first-round exit at the Cincinnati Masters.

And the 39-year-old is giving absolutely nothing away as he works to be fit when the US Open starts in a fortnight in New York.

Djokovic was stunned as his physical reserves seemed to fade on court in the flatland American Midwest as he worked through a brutal match in 90 percent summer humidity but was unable to get over the line in the third against Argentine Thiago Tirante.

The No. 50 scored a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion.

ATP No. 5 Djokovic, a three-time Cincinnati champion, was in no mood to speak but did give away a few details on what went wrong in a match where and at one point fell to his hands and knees at the back of the court – likely being sick.

“Congrats to my opponent. It was not an enjoyable match for me, for sure. The way I felt … Not the first and I guess not the last time, but it is what it is,” he said post-match

“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years.

“(It causes) a lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot.

“I did anticipate it, but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved that make it worse, and that’s what happened.”

The Serb added that he would probably not make a re-appearance at Cincinnati, the last major warm-up event prior to the start in New York.

“I certainly hope so (to play here again), but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.”