Jannik Sinner said he 'couldn't find any energy' as he crashed out of the French Open in the second round to Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo, ending the world number one's 30-match unbeaten streak in one of the biggest shocks in recent Roland Garros history.
The top seed, who had won his previous 30 matches dating back to March, insisted the Paris heat was not to blame for his listless performance. 'It's not about the heat – I just couldn't find any energy on court,' Sinner told reporters after the 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. 'I didn't feel myself out there. It's a tough one to take.'
“Jannik Sinner's shocking second-round defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo at the French Open ends his 30-match winning streak and leaves Novak Djokovic as the only grand slam champion remaining in the men's draw.”
The defeat leaves Novak Djokovic as the only grand slam champion remaining in the men's singles draw, with the Serb still in pursuit of a record-extending 25th major title. Cerundolo, ranked 136th in the world, produced the finest victory of his career to send a shockwave through the tournament.
For Djokovic, the path to glory has suddenly become much clearer. The 37-year-old, who has struggled with form and fitness this season, now finds himself as the overwhelming favourite in a draw stripped of its highest seed. 'It's now or never for Djokovic,' wrote tennis analyst Tim Henman in his column for i. 'With Sinner out, the door is wide open – but he must seize it.'
The defeat also marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for Sinner, who had dominated the clay-court season leading into Paris, winning titles in Monte Carlo and Rome. His early exit is the biggest shock at Roland Garros since Rafael Nadal's first-round loss to Robin Söderling in 2009.
British interest in the tournament now rests on Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie, both still in the draw. Draper, seeded 14th, faces a tricky third-round tie against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, while Norrie meets Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
What happens next: Sinner will have to regroup ahead of the grass-court season, with Wimbledon starting in less than three weeks. Djokovic plays his third-round match on Friday against Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Cerundolo will face either Hubert Hurkacz or Denis Shapovalov in the next round.
What This Means For You: For UK tennis fans, Sinner's exit opens up the men's draw significantly. It increases the chances of a surprise champion and could give British players like Draper and Norrie a clearer path to the latter stages. For Djokovic supporters, it represents perhaps the best opportunity for the Serb to add to his grand slam tally. For those watching at home, expect heightened drama as the tournament lacks its dominant top seed.