PARIS - World number one Jannik Sinner's quest for a first French Open title and career Grand Slam ended abruptly Thursday. He lost to unseeded Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1, in the second round.
Sinner arrived as the heavy favorite, having won titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome-especially with rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic struggling. But from the start, something was off. Sinner admitted he felt dizzy and lacked energy, hitting a physical wall after taking a two-set lead.
“I woke up this morning, I didn't feel very well,” Sinner said in a press conference. “I tried to keep the points short. In the beginning, I was hitting very clean. Then I just hit the wall.”
The Italian star received treatment for apparent nausea and cramping. He lost the final three sets decisively, ending his 30-match winning streak and shattering a nine-major championship run for the "Sincaraz" era.
Cerundolo, ranked 56th, acknowledged his fortune. "I was a little bit lucky," he said. "I feel sorry for him. He was serving to win the match... I'm super happy."
With Sinner out, Novak Djokovic has a clear path to a record 25th Grand Slam title. Alexander Zverev also emerges as a top contender, alongside several dark horses eager to capitalize in Paris.