Jannik Sinner was dramatically eliminated from the French Open in the second round. Despite a clear lead, the Italian lost on Tuesday against Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6:3, 6:2, 5:7, 1:6 and 1:6. For the absolute favorite, the Grand Slam tournament in Paris is over very early.
For almost 1:50 hours, the match looked like a normal Jannik Sinner second round match at the French Open. The South Tyrolean was in a great mood, was bursting with enthusiasm, outplayed his opponent and, after easily winning two sets, was already leading 5-1 in the third round. Get everything ready for a handshake, Sinner.
Sinner loses the set after a 5-1 lead
But then, yes, then nothing worked for the South Tyrolean. The 24-year-old was plagued by cramps and dizziness. Basically in the very last few meters of the match. From this point on, this second round game between Jannik Sinner and Juan Manuel Cerundolo suddenly became a real drama.
From that moment on, the South Tyrolean moved more badly than he could, lost a whopping 15 points in a row and then, visibly marked, called the physiotherapist and disappeared into the catacombs. Things didn’t get any better after that, Sinner actually lost the set and Cerundolo now sensed his big chance.
Sinner physically at the limit
The Italian had himself treated again before the fourth set and now tried somehow to free himself from this predicament. Physically, Sinner was at the limit and sometimes beyond it, had to support himself again and again and only played the rallies properly when there was something in it for him. It was pure tactics from the 24-year-old, who fought against elimination with everything he (still) had.
Alone: It didn’t help. The fourth set went to Cerundolo 6-1. He didn’t let up in the fifth set either, completed this mentally difficult task brilliantly and ultimately won the fifth set 5-1. The sensation was perfect after 3:36 hours.
The big opportunity for the competition
Sinner, who had previously won 18 matches in a row on clay, including the tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, is actually out in Paris. The field for competition for Alexander Zverev is therefore open.
