‘Protect him’ - Former British No.1 advocates for Novak Djokovic to receive preferential scheduling after brutal Cincinnati defeat

Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski has advocated for the ATP to “protect” Novak Djokovic, and give him preferential scheduling, by making him play night-time matches.

His words arrive after the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a brutal loss at the hands of world No.50 Thiago Agustin Tirante in Cincinnati.

The Argentine battled back from a set down to claim a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Djokovic, in what many have described as the defining victory of his career thus far.

The Serbian was visibly affected by the American heat, being forced to call a medical time-out after dropping to his hands and knees at the back of the court.

Djokovic was then seen pressing two large ice bags against his ears, as the Argentine prolonged the battle, eventually seeing his 39-year-old succumb to his game, and the heat.

Following the match, Djokovic revealed the existence of a multi-year health issue, which affects him “especially when it is humid and hot”, before revealing his retirement plans.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic reveals multi-year health issue and addresses retirement after brutal Cincinnati loss

Former British #1 Rusedski has leapt to his aid in recent days, advocating bizarrely for the Serbian to receive preferential scheduling from the ATP as he has “earned it.”

Rusedski advocates for ATP to give Djokovic preferential scheduling after Cincinnati horror

Speaking on his podcast, the former world No.5 was fast to defend Djokovic’s loss, and slammed the ATP for scheduling the 24-time Slam winner in the day-time.

“I’m just happy to have Novak around whenever possible. He’s 39 years of age; what he’s achieved is phenomenal,” said Rusedski. “But it’s so hard physically, especially in the heat and the humidity in Cincinnati. It can be brutal.

“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,” he continued.

“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.

“And especially against a young gun like Tirante, who can hit the ball an absolute ton. That was 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,” he concluded.

At 39 years of age, Djokovic’s ability to make late-stage Grand Slam runs in recent years has been impressive; however, the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as serious threats has diminished his chances of winning his 25th Slam greatly.

Rusedski believes Djokovic’s health issue and inability to cope with heat, which will be plentiful at the US Open, will be taken into consideration by ATP schedulers for the tournament.

“We have to give [Djokovic] a little bit of love and put him at the right time of day if you want to keep him in the tournament,” stated Rusedski.

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,” he finished.