Sinner Shock Exit Blows French Open Wide Open After Five-Set Defeat

World number one Jannik Sinner has been sensationally knocked out of the French Open in the second round after a dramatic five-set defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

The stunning upset ended Sinner’s remarkable 30-match winning streak and marked his first defeat since mid-February, sending shockwaves through the men’s draw at Roland Garros.

Cerundolo, who battled back after appearing outmatched for large stretches of the contest, admitted after the match that he felt sympathy for Sinner, who looked physically troubled late in the encounter.

Speaking on court following the biggest win of his career, Cerundolo said: “It’s tough for him, he was leading the match and I couldn’t win more than three games in a set.

“I was a little bit lucky and I feel sorry for him, he was serving to win the match. Then I don’t know what happened, I think he was cramping. Of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers.”

The Argentine also celebrated reaching the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

“I’m super happy, I will try to keep playing my best. I like to play this tournament because clay is my best surface and I hope to be ready for the next match,” he added.

Sinner’s exit dramatically reshapes the tournament landscape. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz already absent because of injury, the French Open will now produce a men’s singles champion other than Sinner or Alcaraz for the first time since the US Open in 2023.

The unexpected departures of the two dominant young stars have opened the door for several contenders.

Attention will now turn to Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title that would extend his all-time record. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev may sense a major opportunity to finally secure his first Grand Slam crown after several near misses.

The result is already being viewed as one of the biggest shocks at Roland Garros in recent years, with the men’s competition suddenly appearing far more unpredictable heading into the later rounds.