Sinner Knocked Out of French Open in Historic Five-Set Shock

‎World number one Jannik Sinner has been eliminated from the 2026 French Open in one of the most stunning upsets in Roland Garros history, falling to world No. 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo in five sets.

‎Sinner lost 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 Thursday, after initially appearing in complete control of the match.

‎‎The Italian dominated the opening two sets and moved to within a game of victory, leading 5-1 in the third set, before his level dramatically dropped after being affected by severe cramping in the intense Paris heat.

‎‎From that point, Cerundolo capitalised fully on Sinner’s physical struggles, winning 18 of the final 20 games to complete a remarkable comeback and seal the biggest victory of his career.

‎‎The result marks one of the most significant shocks in recent Grand Slam history, with Cerundolo becoming the lowest-ranked player to defeat a world No. 1 at Roland Garros since 1998, and the lowest-ranked player to come back from two sets down against a world No. 1 at a Grand Slam since 1973.

‎‎Sinner’s defeat also ends his 30-match winning streak, as well as his bid to become only the seventh man in the Open Era to complete a Career Grand Slam.

‎‎With Carlos Alcaraz absent from the tournament due to injury, the men’s draw has been thrown wide open, reshaping the title race in Paris.

‎‎World no. 3 Alexander Zverev stands among the leading favourites, with his consistency on clay and recent form placing him in a strong position to challenge for the title.

‎‎Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is also firmly in contention as he targets a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, bringing his vast experience and pedigree into a suddenly open field.

‎Clay-court specialists Casper Ruud and Francisco Cerundolo (Juan Manuel's brother) have also emerged as serious contenders, with the draw now offering a clearer path to the latter stages for players outside the traditional top favourites.

‎‎Juan Manuel Cerundolo’s victory also marks a personal milestone, as he advances to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, where he will face compatriot Martin Landaluce.

‎‎The result further highlights the scale of the upheaval in Paris, with it marking the first time in the Open Era that both the world No. 1 and world No. 2 have failed to reach the third round at Roland Garros.

‎‎What was expected to be a controlled path for Sinner has now turned into one of the most unpredictable French Open tournaments in recent memory, with the title race now wide open.