The French Open was turned upside down Thursday when world number one Jannik Sinner suffered a devastating second-round loss that completely opened up what had appeared to be a predictable men’s tournament.
Sinner’s shocking 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo represented far more than just one match going wrong – it was the complete breakdown of what seemed like a destined championship run after the Italian captured victories in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
The top seed had arrived in Paris as the overwhelming favorite, especially with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury and three-time winner Novak Djokovic still searching for peak form.
But all those expectations crumbled on Court Philippe Chatrier as Sinner collapsed against Cerundolo despite leading by two sets and holding a 5-1 advantage in the third, with the grueling clay court season apparently taking its toll on the Italian star.
“I struggled, started to feel very dizzy,” Sinner explained, acknowledging he’ll have to wait until next year for another shot at his first French Open crown and completing the career Grand Slam.
“I was very low of energy. I tried to serve it out (in the third set) but didn’t have a lot of energy.
“I woke up this morning, didn’t feel very well and tried to keep the points very short. Also in the beginning, I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just hit the wall, that’s it.”
Cerundolo described having to maintain his mental toughness while Sinner battled what appeared to include cramping issues, and the victory also energized his older brother Francisco, who rallied to defeat Hugo Gaston 2-6 6-4 6-2 6-1.
“I’m super happy with the match,” the younger Cerundolo said following his massive upset.
“The match was almost lost, but I stayed mentally (strong) during the whole match. I was prepared to battle as long as it took. I was lucky he had cramp and his level went down.
“I stayed mentally focused on the match, trying to do my best every ball. I’m super happy for the win.”
With Sinner’s early exit forcing him to consider an extended break before defending his Wimbledon crown beginning June 29, Djokovic now has renewed hope in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam championship.
Second seed Alexander Zverev will also see fresh opportunity to claim his first major title after reaching three previous finals, along with other contenders including two-time finalist Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton and Rafael Jodar.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka prevented any additional major upsets during the warm afternoon, with the world number one defeating French hopeful Elsa Jacquemot 7-5 6-2 while defending champion Coco Gauff cruised past Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 6-3 6-2.
Together with four-time champion Swiatek, Sabalenka and Gauff remain the primary candidates to claim the Suzanne Lenglen Cup after meeting in last year’s Paris championship match.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka continues positioning herself for a deep tournament run, as the Japanese star combined flair and determination to beat Donna Vekic 7-6(1) 6-4 and advance to the third round.
Amanda Anisimova, who reached the Paris semifinals as a teenager in 2019, moved forward when opponent Julia Grabher withdrew due to illness after losing the first set.
French supporters found reason to celebrate when teenager Moise Kouame outlasted Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-3 7-5 3-6 2-6 7-6(10-8) in a thrilling nearly five-hour battle, with the young player citing Alcaraz as his inspiration.
The 17-year-old Kouame, currently ranked 318th globally and competing in his debut Grand Slam thanks to a wildcard entry, became just the fifth-youngest man to reach the third round at Roland Garros since the professional era started in 1968.
