Novak Djokovic’s Heat Struggles Ahead of US Open Compared to Venus and Serena Williams by Clijsters

Novak Djokovic’s early exit at the Cincinnati Open has raised concerns about his physical durability in brutal heat and humidity at this stage of his career. Playing his first match since Wimbledon, the 24-time Grand Slam champion collapsed into physical distress before falling 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. Former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters insists there is no need for alarm, comparing his late-career situation to that of Venus and Serena Williams.

Novak Djokovic’s Cincinnati Heat Distress Draws Kim Clijsters’ Comparison to Venus and Serena Williams

On Saturday’s second-round match, in sweltering afternoon temperatures in Ohio, Djokovic required medical assistance and ice towels and was seen bent over on his hands and knees during the second set. After the match, the Serb said, “It was a combination of the heat and humidity, all those things. Everything involved makes it worse.”

Djokovic also candidly admitted, “It looks like I won’t be back, unfortunately, to play here.”

In the latest episode of the “Love All with Kim Clijsters” podcast, tennis broadcaster Blair Henley questioned Djokovic’s physical condition in the tough weather.

Clijsters drew a direct link to the Williams sisters, who similarly adjusted their tournament schedules to preserve their bodies for Grand Slams.

“I think (it’s) a little bit similar to the Venus and Serena situation,” Clijsters explained. “It’s like, you have to get into the groove of playing matches again. For Novak as well, it’s like, ‘Okay, I need to take enough time off to recover physically and mentally and take time away from the sport.’”

MORE: ‘Traumatic Experience’ – Serena Williams Gets Honest About Her Recovery After Cincinnati Comeback Ends Early

“But then also knowing that the US Open is coming up, you want to start playing those matches, and being pushed into playing a tough match in the heat with an underlying issue, it’s a lot of stressors on the body right away, and do I think he’s worried about it? I don’t think so,” Clijsters added, remaining confident in the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s preparation for New York.

Djokovic’s immediate focus will be on recovering before the US Open begins on August 30 in Flushing Meadows, where he will be looking for his record 25th major. A documentary about his life on and off the court, “Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter,” is also set for release tomorrow, August 20.

Meanwhile, the Williams sisters reunited in Cincy after four years, unfortunately losing to the duo of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.