PARIS: Jannik Sinner’s French Open run came to a shocking end on Thursday after illness struck and Juan Manuel Cerúndolo mounted a stunning turnaround, opening up the men’s draw, while Aryna Sabalenka avoided a similar scare to progress.
Key Highlights
- World No. 1 Jannik Sinner lost after leading by two sets and 5-1 in the third before retiring physically in the match.
- Juan Manuel Cerúndolo produced a major comeback to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 and reach the third round.
- Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff both advanced comfortably into the next round in the women’s draw.
- French teen Moise Kouame made history by becoming the youngest man in decades to reach a Grand Slam third round.
Sinner’s sudden collapse
World No. 1 Sinner appeared firmly in control when he led by two sets and 5-1 in the third, before his level dropped sharply as he struggled physically and lost 18 consecutive points. He took a medical time-out, told officials he felt “dizzy”, and briefly left Court Philippe Chatrier for treatment. Despite returning, he eventually fell 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 to world No. 56 Cerúndolo in the second round.
“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy. Very low of energy. Tried to serve it out, but didn't have a lot of energy,” said the Italian. “Woke up this morning, didn't feel very well and tried to keep the points very short.”
Sinner’s exit marked his earliest Grand Slam defeat since the 2023 French Open, ending a 30-match winning streak built across titles in Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells.
Cerúndolo completes major upset
The 24-year-old Italian was in total control before physically fading, losing three straight games to love as conditions and illness took their toll. He even asked the chair umpire about his options while down 0-40, later receiving treatment after reporting dizziness and nausea.
Sinner returned to applause but continued to struggle in the 32°C heat as Cerúndolo seized control and closed out the match against a visibly exhausted opponent. “I was little bit lucky, I feel sorry for him,” said Cerúndolo, who will face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the next round.
Rising names and marathon battles
French wildcard Moise Kouame made headlines by becoming the youngest man since Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon 23 years ago to reach a major third round, defeating Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) in nearly five hours.
“Frankly, without you, I would never have won this match, never,” Kouame told the crowd.
Canadian fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also progressed to the third round for just the second time in eight Grand Slam events, beating Roman Andres Burruchaga in four sets.
Sabalenka, Gauff stay on track
Women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered past France’s Elsa Jacquemot 7-5, 6-2, despite strong resistance from the home favourite. Sabalenka, chasing her first Roland Garros title, will next face Daria Kasatkina.
Reigning champion Coco Gauff also advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Egypt’s Mayar Sherif, surviving a scrappy contest filled with 11 breaks of serve. “It was a physical match, a tough match, my patience was really tested today,” said Gauff.
Naomi Osaka continued her resurgence at Roland Garros by reaching the third round for the first time in seven years, beating Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, and will next face Iva Jovic. Sixth seed Amanda Anisimova also moved through after Julia Grabher retired following a 6-0 first set.
