French Open: World No.1 Jannik Sinner scorched in Paris

Italy’s Jannik Sinner battles cramps during his second-round clash at the French Open on Thursday. Pic/AFP

Jannik Sinner's 30-match winning run came to an abrupt halt at the French Open on Thursday as the world No.1 succumbed to sweltering conditions in a five-set, second-round loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Sinner, the red-hot favourite at Roland Garros, appeared to be cruising to victory, holding a two-set lead and a commanding 5-1 advantage in the third, before suddenly taking a turn for the worse.

The Italian complained of dehydration and dizziness, saying he felt as though he might vomit, and was visibly struggling as temperatures once again climbed above 30C during a record-breaking heatwave in France. Sinner suddenly looked a shadow of himself and an inspired Cerundolo seized his chance to pull off a stunning comeback, prevailing 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.

Juan Cerundolo

"I don't remember the last time I felt this weak. I tried to stay in the game with all I had," said Sinner, before stopping short of blaming the conditions. "It was warm, but not crazy warm. Nothing against the heat, it was just me today," he added.

"I think I was a little bit lucky. I feel sorry for him. He was deserving to win and then I don't know what happened. Maybe cramping, maybe the pressure," said World No. 56 Cerundolo, before adding: "I'm super happy. It's a tournament I really like to play, clay is my best surface."

30
Jannik Sinner's winning streak prior to his loss on Thursday to Juan Manuel Cerundolo

26
No. of years since a top seed has lost in the Rd 2 at the French Open

Three
No. of years since Jannik Sinner suffered a Round-Two exit at a Grand Slam (French Open 2023)

Sinner has been ‘burnt' before too

. Australian Open 2026: Under the sweltering Melbourne sun, Sinner lost the first set to USA's World No. 85 Eliott Spizzirri and went down a break in the third. The match was then suspended due to extreme heat, and once the roof was closed, the World No. 1 eventually battled cramps to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

. Shanghai Open 2025: Then World No. 2 Sinner had to retire from his match against Dutch World No. 27 Tallon Griekspoor due to cramps caused by the hot and humid conditions.

. Cincinnati Open 2025: In the final against rival Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner was forced to retire after just five games due to a medical issue, which stemmed from a gruelling schedule amidst high temperatures and humidity.

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