Jannik Sinner suffers dramatic French Open collapse against Cerundolo

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner suffered one of the most astonishing defeats of the 2026 French Open after collapsing physically during a second-round battle against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo at Roland Garros.

The Italian looked completely in control after racing into a 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 lead on Court Philippe-Chatrier, but severe physical discomfort, cramping, dizziness, and a dramatic loss of energy transformed the contest into one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Cerundolo eventually completed an extraordinary comeback victory, winning the final three sets to eliminate the tournament favourite in five sets.

Sinner’s body suddenly failed him

The turning point arrived while Sinner served for the match at 5-1 in the third set. After dominating for more than two hours, the Italian suddenly began struggling physically, losing 15 consecutive points while appearing visibly exhausted between rallies.

Courtside microphones captured Sinner telling his team he felt dizzy and nauseous before he received a medical timeout mid-game. The momentum instantly shifted.

From 5-1 ahead, Sinner lost six straight games to surrender the third set 7-5 before fading further as the match continued.

By the deciding fifth set, the reigning Italian Open champion could barely move freely across the baseline, frequently bending over between points and shortening rallies with risky drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics.

Cerundolo capitalized fully, dominating the final set 6-1 to complete a remarkable comeback.

End of a remarkable winning streak

The defeat snapped Sinner’s 30-match winning streak stretching back to February.

Heading into Roland Garros, the 24-year-old had been viewed as the overwhelming favourite for the title, particularly after winning three consecutive clay-court tournaments during the European swing.

With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, many believed the tournament had opened perfectly for Sinner to claim his first French Open title. Instead, Roland Garros delivered another painful chapter for the Italian star.

Last year, Sinner also suffered heartbreak on the same court after wasting three championship points against Alcaraz in the French Open final.

Sinner explains physical struggles

Speaking after the defeat, Sinner admitted he had felt unwell even before stepping onto court.

“I didn’t feel very well when I woke up this morning,” Sinner explained.

“I was very dizzy and low on energy. I tried to keep the points short, but in the middle of the third set I completely hit the wall physically.”

The Italian also rejected suggestions that the Paris heat was responsible.

“It wasn’t really about the weather or the heat. It was just my body today,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, Sinner attempted to remain positive about his clay season overall after winning multiple titles leading into the Grand Slam.

Cerundolo takes advantage of sudden shift

For Cerundolo, the victory ranks among the biggest moments of his career. The Argentine admitted after the match that he initially felt overwhelmed by Sinner’s dominance in the opening two sets.

“He was playing unbelievable tennis,” Cerundolo said. “I honestly didn’t know what changed. Maybe cramps, maybe pressure, but suddenly the match became different.”

While acknowledging Sinner’s physical issues, Cerundolo still deserves enormous credit for maintaining composure and increasing his aggression once momentum shifted.

The Argentine repeatedly extended rallies during the final sets, forcing Sinner into uncomfortable movement and capitalizing on his reduced mobility.

Roland Garros continues producing drama

Sinner’s exit is already being described as one of the most dramatic collapses seen at Roland Garros in recent years. It also completely reshapes the men’s draw heading into the latter stages of the tournament.

Elsewhere at the French Open, 17-year-old French wildcard Moise Kouame continued his dream run by reaching the third round after a marathon five-set victory over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.

Kouame became one of the youngest players in Open Era history to reach the third round at Roland Garros, underlining the emergence of another exciting talent in French tennis.

For Sinner, attention will now quickly shift toward recovery and preparations for Wimbledon after a French Open campaign that ended far earlier and far more painfully than anyone expected.

SportsLigue