Top title contender Jannik Sinner exited the French Open in the second round after a loss to 56th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The score was 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Sinner appeared affected by the heat and missed an opportunity to serve for the match on Thursday.
Sinner had maintained a 30-match winning streak since February and was widely expected to claim the only major title absent from his resume. This chance increased with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a right wrist injury.
On the clay surface, Sinner repeatedly bent over in fatigue and moved slowly for balls later in the contest. He relied on drop shots and serve-and-volley plays to shorten rallies. He cooled himself with a portable fan during breaks and placed ice packs around his neck.
Temperatures began at 29 degrees Celsius and climbed to 32 degrees. While serving at 5-4 and 0-40 in the third set, Sinner bent over again before leaving the court for assistance. His light blue clothing was drenched in sweat.
Sinner received medical treatment between the third and fourth sets and had minerals added to his beverage upon return, yet he could not recover. His previous defeat occurred on February 19 in the Qatar Open quarterfinals. He had captured five consecutive titles with minimal set losses.
