World No. 1 Jannik Sinner saw his quest for a career Grand Slam end in a sudden, heat-driven collapse on Thursday, falling in the second round of the French Open to 56th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
- Key Match Facts
- Result: Juan Manuel Cerundolo defeated Jannik Sinner 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.
- Stakes: Sinner was attempting to complete a career Grand Slam.
- Condition: Match played in temperatures rising from 29°C (84°F) to 32°C (90°F).
- Streak: The loss snapped a 30-match winning streak for Sinner that began in February.
A Battle Against the Elements
The match evolved into a struggle for survival as Sinner battled extreme conditions on the clay. Starting at 29°C (84°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F), the heat visibly drained the Italian favorite. Sinner attempted to manage his body temperature during changeovers by using a handheld fan and placing bags of ice around his neck.
As the match progressed, Sinner’s movement deteriorated. He was seen bending over in exhaustion multiple times and largely stopped running for shots, instead shifting his tactics to serve-and-volley and drop shots in an effort to shorten the points and reduce physical exertion.
The Third-Set Collapse
The momentum shifted decisively in the third set. Sinner appeared to be closing in on a victory, serving for the match at 5-4 with a 0-40 count. However, the physical toll became insurmountable; Sinner bent over on the court and walked to his chair to request assistance before leaving the court entirely.
Observers noted that Sinner’s light blue outfit was completely soaked through with sweat. While he received medical attention between the third and fourth sets, he was unable to recover his form, losing the final two sets 6-1, 6-1.
Missed Opportunity in Paris
The exit is particularly jarring given the current state of the draw. Sinner entered the match as a formidable title favorite, especially with two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz absent from the tournament due to a right wrist injury.
For Sinner, the French Open remained the only major title missing from his resume. The loss not only ends his hopes of a career Grand Slam this year but also halts one of the most dominant runs of his career, ending a 30-match winning streak that had spanned since February.
