Ailing Sinner crashes out of French Open, Sabalenka waits

Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from the French Open after a sudden bout of heatstroke and a dramatic comeback by Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, opening the men’s draw and leaving Aryna Sabalenka to avoid a similar fate.

The world number one was in control, leading two sets to love and 5‑1 in the third when he began to struggle with his movement, losing 18 consecutive points.

Sinner took a medical time‑out, reported feeling “dizzy” and left Court Philippe Chatrier for treatment. When he returned, he slipped to a 3‑6, 2‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1, 6‑1 loss to world number 56 Cerúndolo.

“I was a little lucky, I feel sorry for him,” said Cerúndolo. “I don’t know what happened, he was cramping, maybe the pressure. I feel sorry for him and hope he recovers.”

Sinner’s exit is his earliest from a Grand Slam since the 2023 French Open, as Cerúndolo’s victory is one of tennis’ biggest shocks in recent years and sets up a last‑32 match against either Spanish youngster Martín Landaluce or Czech Vít Kopřiva on Saturday.

The unseasonably hot weather has affected players throughout the week in Paris. Czech Jakub Měnšík collapsed on court with cramps after his win on Wednesday, while Novak Djokovic called for matches to be moved to later in the day.

The 24‑year‑old Sinner was the latest to falter under the blazing sun, ending a 30‑match winning streak that included titles in Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells.

He will now have to wait until next year, when injured rival Carlos Alcaraz is likely to return, for another chance to complete the career Grand Slam.

The top seed was in total control and romping toward a routine victory before suddenly struggling physically, losing three consecutive games to love.

He asked the chair umpire about his options when 0‑40 down in the next game, before being evaluated by a physio, saying he felt dizzy and needed to vomit.

Sinner returned to the court after treatment to applause from the crowd but continued to melt in the 32 °C heat and departed again after Cerúndolo took the set.

After a nine‑minute delay, the cramping Sinner hobbled back out but quickly saw the fourth set slide away as Cerúndolo levelled the tie.

The unheralded Argentinian, inspired by the chance to knock out the world’s best player, raced to victory against his deflated opponent, who was left bent over double after every lengthy rally.

The underdog celebrated a sensational win after clipping away a forehand winner to reach the third round of a Slam for the first time.

“I tried to play my best, I’m going to keep trying to play my best. The clay is my best surface and I hope to be ready for the next match,” added Cerúndolo.

Sinner’s compatriot Flavio Cobolli, the 10th seed, reached the third round for a second successive year with a 6‑4, 6‑4, 6‑4 win over China’s Wu Yubing.

He will next face American Learner Tien after the 18th seed fought back to defeat world number 151 Facundo Diaz Acosta of Argentina 7‑5, 4‑6, 3‑6, 7‑6 (7/4), 6‑3.

– Osaka safely through –

Osaka edged closer to a possible last‑16 meeting with Sabalenka after reaching the third round for the first time in seven years by beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic 7‑6 (7/1), 6‑4.

The four‑time Grand Slam champion will face a tough test from American teenager Iva Jović on Saturday when both players will be hoping to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time.

“Today was really tough,” said the Japanese star. “But I was glad to be able to finish in two because every game felt really, really close.”

Osaka’s run to the US Open semi‑finals last year is the only time she has made the second week of a major since her last Grand Slam triumph at the 2021 Australian Open.

Jović, the 17th seed, thrashed compatriot Emma Navarro 6‑0, 6‑3 in just 78 minutes.

Scheduled third on centre court, Sabalenka will be confident that her power‑hitting baseline game will be too hot to handle for French world number 67 Elsa Jacquemot as she seeks to book her spot in the third round.

Defending champion Coco Gauff will take on Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif on Court Suzanne Lenglen as the American fourth seed also bids to reach the last 32.

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