Jannik Sinner’s dream to clutch his maiden French Open title and career Grand Slam was shattered after he experienced physical issues, forcing his exit.
In his second-round match against Argentine tennis player Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Sinner fell to a 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 defeat.
Having lifted claycourt titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, Sinner reached Paris with hopes of owning the title. However, Cerundolo tore up the script in a dramatic clash. “It’s tough for him. He was winning the match. I couldn’t win more than three games (in any of the first two sets). I think I was a little bit lucky. I feel sorry for him. He was serving to win this match, but then I don’t know what happened. I think he was cramping maybe, or maybe it was the pressure of the match, I don’t know. But of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers. I’m super happy. I’m going to keep trying to play my best. I hope to be ready for the next match,” said Cerundolo to Reuters. It appeared like the Italian star suddenly struggled physically as the intense Paris heat took a toll.
The 24-year-old requested a medical timeout during the match after showing signs of discomfort and fatigue. Although he returned to continue the match, his movement and energy levels dropped significantly, allowing Cerúndolo to seize momentum.
“In the third set, I felt dizzy and I wanted to vomit, but I couldn’t,” the Italian was heard saying to an official, before he stepped off the court for a medical timeout, Reuters reported.
Sinner returned five minutes later and was immediately broken for 5-5, and dropped the next two games to hand the set to his Argentine opponent, who seized the opportunity.
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