Top-ranked Jannik Sinner collapses in scorching heat, exits French Open in stunning second-round upset

A stunning collapse

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, on a 30-match winning streak and the overwhelming favorite with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent due to a wrist injury, was sensationally knocked out of the French Open in the second round. The Italian led Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo by two sets and 5-1 in the third before his body gave out. Sinner lost 18 consecutive points and eventually succumbed 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6 after 3 hours and 36 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The heat factor

Temperatures soared to around 30°C at match start and climbed to near 40°C according to some reports. Sinner, who has a history of struggling in high heat, began cramping and feeling dizzy late in the third set. He resorted to drop shots and serve-and-volley to shorten points but could barely move. At 5-4 he took a medical timeout, telling officials he was dizzy. During changeovers he used a hand-held fan and ice packs, but his condition worsened.

I’m dizzy.

Cerundolo capitalizes

Cerundolo, ranked 56th, seized his opportunity ruthlessly. After Sinner failed to serve out the match at 5-2, the Argentine won the third set and never looked back. Sinner won only two of the last 19 games. Cerundolo converted his first match point to complete a dramatic turnaround that instantly became one of the biggest upsets in recent Grand Slam history.

Title race blown open

The result dramatically reshapes the men’s draw. Alexander Zverev, who had lost his last nine meetings with Sinner, now sees his path to a maiden Grand Slam title significantly cleared. Sinner’s bid for a career Grand Slam must wait at least another year.