Jannik Sinner has denied that the heat played a role in his unexpected loss at the French Open, instead attributing the defeat to feeling unwell. The world number one entered Paris as the overwhelming favorite since the days of a prime Rafael Nadal but left before the first weekend after a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 loss to Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
The result was shocking enough, but the manner of the loss was even more so. Sinner appeared to be on the verge of victory at 5-1 up in the third set, only to lose 18 consecutive points. This dramatic turn of events raised questions about his physical condition and ability to cope with the demands of the tournament.
Sinner’s struggles with hot weather are well known, including a narrow escape at the Australian Open this year when the tournament’s heat policy saved him. However, the 24-year-old insisted that this situation was different.
“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy,” Sinner said. “Very low on energy. I tried to serve it out, but I didn’t have a lot of energy. I woke up this morning and didn’t feel very well and tried to keep the points very short.”
He added: “Also in the beginning, I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just kind of hit the wall, and that’s it. I really couldn’t find any energy today. It was a tough spot to be in. It was warm, but not crazy warm. I feel like it was quite OK to play.”
“It was just me today, but it happens. It wasn’t like I was dying because of the heat. I think today was a completely different scenario.”
“I don’t remember the last time I felt this weak. I tried to stay there with all I had today, and this was the maximum I had.”
The difficulties Sinner faced became evident in the 10th game of the third set when, trailing 0-40, he sat down on the advertising hoardings. Umpire Aurelie Tourte approached him and called for the physios, leading to a medical assessment. This decision sparked controversy, with British number one Tim Henman criticizing the umpire’s actions.
“
The umpire shouldn’t be getting off her chair. It’s not her responsibility, that’s the player’s responsibility. I don’t see why he should get the benefit of going into an air-conditioned room.”
Heat-related issues such as cramp are typically considered a loss of condition, which means players are not allowed additional time for treatment. Sinner also took a break from court to change his clothes at the end of the third set, using a fan to cool himself and drinking from a can of Coke. Despite these efforts, he was unable to recover.
This unexpected loss has opened up the men’s tournament, with 39-year-old Novak Djokovic being the only player left who has won a grand slam title. It also marks the first time since Djokovic’s US Open win in 2023 that a major crown will be claimed by someone other than Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from the tournament due to a wrist injury.
The first week in Paris has been affected by an unseasonal heatwave, impacting several players. Casper Ruud described feeling like a “zombie” during his first-round match, while Czech Jakub Mensik collapsed after a five-set battle on Wednesday.
Both players managed to win their matches, but for Sinner, another factor is the heavy workload he has experienced leading into the competition. The top seed was on a 30-match winning streak dating back to February, having secured six consecutive Masters 1000 titles, including the big clay events in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome.
When asked if he regretted his hectic schedule, Sinner replied: “If I don’t play Madrid or if I don’t play Rome, maybe I come here and I still have a day like this where you feel sick.”
He continued: “I won three tournaments on clay. Incredible results. Amazing streak I’ve had. Of course, as I said, in the beginning of the year, this is my main goal here (in Paris). A very early exit, it was not what I was looking for.”
Sinner, who only needs the French Open title to join Alcaraz in completing the career Grand Slam, will now take a break from competition until defending his title at Wimbledon.
