Jannik Sinner’s physical issues came to the fore once again during his second-round match at the French Open.
Sinner led Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 before suffering a bout of cramps.
Cerundolo took full advantage, winning 16 consecutive points to level the match at 5-5.
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At 5-4, 0-40 in the third set, Sinner was allowed to receive medical attention – a decision that was questioned by Andy Murray’s former coach, Miles Maclagan.
Miles Maclagan criticises Jannik Sinner being allowed to receive medical attention against Juan Manuel Cerundolo
“I have personally got a big problem with these medical time outs. This is part of the game,” Maclagan said while commentating for TNT Sports.
“Not just Sinner but any player in this situation is getting a chance to recuperate.
“I think it’s a little surprising given the court we are on that there wasn’t a physio and doctor on standby.”
Maclagan later added: “This is rough on Cerundolo. Dealing with the conditions is part of the game. Some people like the cold, some like the heat.
“He can be evaluated for 10 minutes with air conditioning and come out fresh.
“I think this happening to him in Australia a couple of years ago with Lehecka having those issues.
“It’s rough, because Sinner was just about on his knees there.”
This is far from the first time Sinner has received medical attention under questionable circumstances.
Earlier this month, Daniil Medvedev voiced his disagreement with Jannik Sinner taking a medical time-out for cramps at the Italian Open, which isn’t allowed by the ATP Tour.
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Jannik Sinner’s full conversation with the chair umpire
“If I give time away, how does it work now? I can’t do it. I cannot wait,” Sinner told the chair umpire, who had approached the keeled-over Italian
The umpire then responded: “If you can’t wait it depends on what you have. Either you get a time violation, and after, it’s a code violation. Then otherwise we need to see with the physio what it is.”
Sinner then replied: “I don’t know if it’s dehydration.”
The umpire concluded: “It’s up to you. It’s either we call the physio now, they check on you, then we resume play.”
The physio was called onto court shortly afterwards, and Sinner described feeling ‘dizzy’ and ill during the third set.
The Italian then exited the court for a medical evaluation, and his blood pressure was taken.
He returned to the court 10 minutes later.
