Jannik Sinner says he 'couldn't find any energy' as he lost in the second round of the French Open to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, ending his 30-match unbeaten streak in one of the tournament's biggest shocks in recent years.
The world number one's defeat leaves Novak Djokovic as the only grand slam winner remaining in the entire men's draw. Sinner, who had not lost since March, was the heavy favourite against Cerundolo, ranked outside the top 100. But the Italian struggled from the outset, losing 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“Jannik Sinner's shock second-round exit at the French Open ends his 30-match unbeaten streak, leaving Novak Djokovic as the only grand slam winner in the men's draw.”
Sinner insisted the Paris heat was not to blame, despite temperatures reaching 30°C. 'I couldn't find any energy on court today,' he said. 'It's not about the weather. I just didn't feel good physically or mentally from the start. It's a tough loss, but I have to accept it and move on.' The defeat marks Sinner's earliest exit at a grand slam since the 2023 Australian Open.
For British tennis fans, the result reshapes the men's draw. With Sinner out, Djokovic, a 24-time grand slam champion, becomes the clear favourite. The Serb, who beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert in straight sets on Wednesday, now has a path that avoids the top seed until the final. 'It's now or never for Djokovic,' said analysts, noting that the 37-year-old has struggled with form and fitness this year but remains the only player in the draw with a major title to his name.
Other seeded players have also fallen, but none as significant as Sinner. The Italian had been in imperious form, winning the Australian Open and Miami Masters earlier this year. His shock exit leaves the bottom half of the draw wide open, with players like Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud now seen as potential finalists.
Sinner's next move will be crucial. He is expected to take a short break before the grass-court season, with Wimbledon beginning on 1 July. 'I need to understand what went wrong and come back stronger,' he said. For Djokovic, the path to a record 25th grand slam title has suddenly become clearer, but he must navigate five more matches in Paris.
What This Means For You - Tennis fans: The men's singles at Roland Garros is now wide open. Djokovic is the lone grand slam champion left, making him the overwhelming favourite. If you have bets on the tournament, check your slips – Sinner's exit will shift odds dramatically. - Viewers in the UK: With no British men left in the singles draw (Andy Murray and Jack Draper were eliminated early), attention turns to the women's event, where Katie Boulter is still competing. Expect increased coverage of Djokovic's run on BBC and Eurosport. - Fantasy tennis players: If you had Sinner in your team, you've lost a key points scorer. Consider transferring in Djokovic or a dark horse like Cerundolo, who is now a dangerous floater in the draw.