Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski has asserted that Novak Djokovic “has to be protected” by tournament organisers after his Cincinnati Open exit.
Djokovic was upset 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 by world No 50 Thiago Agustin Tirante in his opening match at the Masters 1000 event in Mason, Ohio on Saturday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion dominated the first set, but he struggled physically thereafter in brutal afternoon head and humidity in Cincinnati.
Following the match, Djokovic said he has been dealing with a health problem that causes “a lot of issues” when he plays in such challenging weather conditions.
“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years. A lot of issues, especially when it is humid and it is hot,” the 39-year-old Serbian explained.
“I did anticipate it, but there are all these things, like nerves and everything involved that make it worse, and that’s what happened.”
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On the latest episode of his Off Court With Greg Rusedski podcast, Rusedski argued Djokovic should not be scheduled to play during the day in difficult conditions.
“I’m just happy to have Novak around whenever it’s possible. He’s 39 years of age, what he’s achieved is phenomenal,” said the former world No 4.
“But it’s so hard physically, especially in the heat and the humidity in Cincinnati. It can be brutal.
“I remember playing matches there — I was just standing there and I was dripping, you can barely hold your racket. The heat is unbearable, the ice towel has to be on.
“Novak has to be protected. He can’t be playing during the day. He has to be playing in the evenings, from 7 o’clock onwards. He’s earned the right to do so.
“And especially against a young gun like the Argentinian Tirante, who can hit the ball an absolute ton. So, that was a brutal scheduling for Novak.
“I think in the US Open, he’ll be protected, and I hope he continues to play for a long time.
“Even youngsters would struggle in that heat. I mean, look at Jack Draper in his match, he wasn’t finding it easy, as well, and he’s a lot younger than Novak.”
The former British No 1 continued: “And the other thing is he had the longest game I think in a long time — 17 minutes plus. In that heat, 17 minutes… I mean, that is brutal.
“His opponent made it physical, took advantage of the conditions after losing the opening set, and that’s what you have to do against Novak.
“But we have to give him a little bit of love and put him at the right time of day if you want to keep him in the tournament!
“So, for me, scheduling plays a part. I know you can’t always protect your big names because of rain and different things, but I think sometimes, you have to do those things.”
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