Jannik Sinner faced a shocking upset at the 2026 French Open, losing to Francisco Cerundolo. Initially dominating the match, Sinner quickly lost his form, struggling with physical issues that ultimately affected his performance.
Sinner’s Strong Start
In the opening two sets, Sinner showcased powerful and precise strokes, allowing him to establish a commanding lead. He faced only one break point opportunity against him during this phase, displaying remarkable control on the court.
Injury Disrupts Momentum
As Sinner approached victory, everything changed. He noticed a significant drop in his speed, with his shots becoming approximately 10 mph slower. Sinner appeared visibly distressed, often walking around the court with a pained expression.
Medical Timeout
- Sinner called for a trainer after experiencing nausea.
- He took an off-court medical timeout to address his condition.
- Upon returning, he struggled to regain his usual energy and focus.
Cerundolo Capitalizes
Meanwhile, Cerundolo maintained his composure. He won the third and fourth sets decisively, even taking an early 4-0 lead in the fifth set. Despite the crowd’s support for Sinner, including encouragement from his coaching team, he could not recover effectively.
Turning Point in the Match
Sinner finally managed to hold serve, winning just his second game in 18 attempts. However, Cerundolo quickly responded, securing the next game on Sinner’s serve. This ultimately ended Sinner’s hopes of a career Grand Slam for another year.
Match Impact
This defeat marks Sinner’s first loss since February and his first on clay for the season. The upset opens the men’s draw significantly, giving top contenders like Novak Djokovic a stronger opportunity to pursue his historic 25th Grand Slam title.
What’s Next for Cerundolo
With this victory, Cerundolo is set to compete in the third round against Spanish player Martin Landaluce, currently ranked 69th in the world. Landaluce also emerged victorious in a challenging five-set match.
