Novak Djokovic chasing the title in Cincinnati

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World No. 1 Rafeal Nadal's withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters due to fatigue wasn't the only news during the tournament that took place from August 13 -19 in Ohio. Serbia's Novak Djokovic also suffered stomach trouble.

The annual outdoor hard-court tennis event comes ahead of the US Open that starts on August 27.

Roger Federer hits a forehand shot during the Western and Southern Open on August 14, 2018 in Mason, Ohio. /VCG Photo

World No.2 Roger Federer cruised to a quick 6-4, 6-4 win over Germany's Peter Gojowczyk, while rising Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out of the first round after defeat 7-5, 6-3 to Belgian David Goffin on Tuesday.

Djokovic has struggled to find his best form following his success at Wimbledon last month and he started slowly against Adrian Mannarino. He began slightly sluggish in his first set on Wednesday due to an upset stomached, But turned it around to beat France’s Mannarino 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, before heavy rain halted afternoon matches.

Adrian Mannarino of France serves to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Western and Southern Open on August 15, 2018 in Mason, Ohio. /VCG Photo

Djokovic has won nearly every Masters 1000 title, bar from the Cincinnati, hich has eluded the tennis star his entire career. He reached the Cincinnati finals five times, but dropped all— three to Roger Federer, two to Andy Murray.

“I think it adds more to the motivation rather than pressure. I really want to win this tournament. I definitely need to play better than I have in the first couple of matches,” Djokovic said.

In the women’s matches, American player Sloane Stephens overcame a thumb injury during a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Germany's Tatjana Maria. The match was Stephens' first since losing on Sunday to Simona Halep in the finals at Montreal of the Canadian Open.

Petra Kvitova (L) shakes hands with Serena Williams after defeating the American in three sets during the Western and Southern Open on August 14, 2018 in Mason, Ohio. /VCG Photo

Serena Williams was beaten 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 by Czech's Petra Kvitova in the second-round match on Tuesday, ending the American's bid for a third title at the event.

Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko stunned defending Cincinnati Masters champion Garbine Muguruza with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 second-round win over the Spaniard on Wednesday.

Source(s): AP ,Reuters