Jannik Sinner’s 30-match winning streak came to a dramatic end at the French Open on Thursday as the world number one suffered a stunning second-round defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo in sweltering Paris conditions.
The Italian appeared firmly on course for victory after racing into a two-set lead and moving 5-1 ahead in the third set before his game suddenly unravelled.
Sinner struggled physically in the intense heat on Court Philippe Chatrier, losing 18 consecutive points and visibly battling discomfort as momentum shifted sharply in Cerundolo’s favour.
The top seed took a medical timeout after complaining of dizziness and nausea before leaving the court for treatment.
Although he returned to continue the match, Sinner was unable to recover and eventually slumped to a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 defeat to the world number 56.
“I was a little bit lucky. I feel sorry for him,” Cerundolo said after the match.
“I don’t know exactly what happened. He was cramping, maybe it was the pressure. I hope he recovers soon.”
The result marked Sinner’s earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2023 French Open and ranks among the tournament’s biggest upsets in recent years.
Cerundolo’s victory also secured him a place in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, where he will face either Spain’s Martin Landaluce or Czech player Vit Kopriva.
The extreme temperatures in Paris have troubled several players throughout the week.
Czech star Jakub Mensik collapsed with cramps following his win on Wednesday, while Novak Djokovic called for matches to be scheduled later in the day to avoid the peak afternoon heat.
Sinner became the latest high-profile casualty of the harsh conditions, with the 24-year-old unable to maintain the form that had carried him to titles in Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Miami, and Indian Wells.
The defeat also delays the Italian’s hopes of completing a career Grand Slam.
Sinner had looked completely dominant in the early stages, cruising toward what appeared to be a routine victory before his physical struggles began.
After dropping three consecutive games without winning a point, he was seen asking the chair umpire about his options while trailing 0-40 in the next game.
A physio was later called onto the court as Sinner reported feeling dizzy and needing to vomit.
He briefly returned to applause from the crowd but continued to struggle in the 32-degree heat as Cerundolo claimed the third set.
Following another medical delay, the visibly cramping Italian returned for the fourth set but was unable to resist the inspired Argentine, who grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Cerundolo ultimately completed the remarkable comeback with a forehand winner, sealing the biggest victory of his career.
“I tried to play my best and I’ll keep trying to improve,” Cerundolo said.
“Clay is my best surface and I hope to be ready for the next match.”
Elsewhere, Sinner’s compatriot Flavio Cobolli, the 10th seed, advanced to the third round for the second consecutive year with a straight-sets victory over China’s Wu Yubing.
Cobolli will next face American Learner Tien, who battled back to defeat Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta in five sets.
AFP
