World number one Jannik Sinner blows two-set lead as Juan Manuel Cerundolo stages stunning comeback at Roland Garros.
Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit at the French Open on Thursday after surrendering a two-set lead in a dramatic five-set defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
The world number one appeared firmly in control after winning the opening two sets 6-3, 6-2 and moving within one game of victory in the third set. However, soaring temperatures and physical struggles triggered a stunning collapse as Cerundolo fought back to claim the match 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.
Sinner, who entered Roland Garros as the favorite following the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz due to a wrist injury, said he suddenly ran out of energy during the contest.
“I didn’t feel very well on court. I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy, very low on energy,” Sinner said after the defeat. “I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just kind of hit the wall.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion repeatedly bent over between points and used ice packs and a hand-held fan during changeovers before receiving medical attention on court.
Sinner later admitted he could not recall ever feeling so physically weak during a match.
The defeat ended the Italian’s 30-match winning streak dating back to March. The 24-year-old had enjoyed an impressive clay-court campaign, winning ATP Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Earlier this month, Sinner also became only the second player after Novak Djokovic to complete the full set of all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles.
For Cerundolo, ranked world number 56, the victory marked the biggest win of his career and secured his place in the third round.
The Argentine said he noticed Sinner’s physical struggles late in the match and focused on extending rallies to increase pressure.
Sinner’s exit, combined with Alcaraz’s absence, has significantly opened up the men’s draw at Roland Garros.
Elsewhere, China’s Wu Yibing was eliminated after losing in straight sets to Italy’s 10th seed Flavio Cobolli, who secured a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Wu praised Cobolli’s clay-court game and deep returning after the match.
“I’ve faced players with strong defense before, but today many of his returns were very deep,” Wu said. “His serve and baseline game are also more suited to clay, and he controlled the rhythm of the match very well.”
Despite the loss, Wu said completing most of the clay-court season was encouraging after injury struggles in recent years.
In other men’s matches, Belgium’s Raphael Collignon upset fifth seed Ben Shelton in straight sets, while Frances Tiafoe survived a five-set battle against Hubert Hurkacz. Sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also advanced.
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated France’s Elsa Jacquemot in straight sets, while defending champion Coco Gauff beat Egypt’s Mayar Sherif to reach the third round.
Naomi Osaka also progressed after overcoming Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
