Key Highlights
- Jannik Sinner, top seed and title favorite, exits the French Open in the second round.
- Sinner was leading 5-1 in the third set but lost 18 points in a row to trail 0-40 serving for the match a second time at 5-4.
- The temperature during the match reached up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, affecting Sinner’s performance significantly.
- Cerundolo, ranked 56th, won 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 against Sinner in a surprising upset.
The Heat Is On: Jannik Sinner’s Exit from the French Open
No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner was ousted from the French Open in the second round on Thursday, marking a significant upset and an early end to his campaign. The match, against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who is ranked 56th, saw Sinner leading 5-1 in the third set but faltered, losing 18 consecutive points to trail 0-40 serving for the match at 5-4. This dramatic collapse after a strong start left fans and tennis experts questioning what went wrong.
Editor’s Picks: What Went Wrong for Jannik Sinner?
The French Open, known as one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments, saw Sinner facing his biggest challenge yet. The temperature during the match reached up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an environment that was too warm for even a seasoned player like Sinner.
Warming Up: The Heat and Its Impact
The heat has taken its toll on multiple players at this year’s French Open. Casper Ruud described feeling “like a zombie” during his first-round match, while Czech player Jakub Mensik collapsed after a five-set battle. Sinner himself admitted he felt weak but insisted the weather was not to blame for his poor performance. “I feel like it was quite OK to play,” said Sinner. “Really it was nothing against the heat, nothing against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens.”
Back on Court: Sinner’s Reflections
Despite the scorching temperatures, Sinner was still in a tough spot heading into the fifth set. “In the fifth set we all know everything can happen,” he admitted to CNN. “I was in a tough spot.” He also revealed that he had tried various tactics to stay cool on court, including using a handheld fan and ice bags around his neck, but it wasn’t enough.
Sinner’s loss Thursday leaves Novak Djokovic as the only men’s player left at the French Open who has claimed a Grand Slam title. It also means, for the first time since Djokovic’s US Open win in 2023, a major crown will be claimed by someone other than Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
Looking Ahead: Wimbledon and Recovery
As Sinner turns his focus to Wimbledon, which begins on June 29th, he said he didn’t plan to play any lead-in events on grass and would focus on recovery. “Let’s hope we’re ready for Wimbledon,” Sinner told reporters. “To be ready there, we need to recuperate well and do things right now.”
While the heat may have played a part in Sinner’s exit from this tournament, his performance will undoubtedly raise questions about his preparation and mental resilience. The French Open, like any major tennis event, tests players not just on the court but also off it, especially when conditions turn against them.
