Juan Manuel Cerundolo defeated Jannik Sinner, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1, in the second round of the French Open.
When the Argentine trailed 5-1 in the third set, nobody could have predicted what would happen next.
Struggling physically, Sinner lost the third set 7-5 before losing the fourth and fifth sets, 6-1.
Where does Jannik Sinner’s defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo rank among the most shocking results in tennis history?
Producing an all-time Grand Slam upset on Court Philippe Chatrier, Cerundolo was quick to send a message to Sinner during his post-match interview.
Juan Manuel Cerundolo ‘hopes’ Jannik Sinner recovers and admits he got ‘a little bit lucky’
“It is tough for him,” said Cerundolo.
“He was leading the match.
“I could not win more than three games!
“I was a little bit lucky.
“I feel sorry for him because he deserved to win a lot of majors, and he was deserving to win this match.
Jannik Sinner vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo – Match stats
| Stats | Jannik Sinner | Juan Manuel Cerundolo |
| Aces | 5 | 14 |
| Double faults | 7 | 5 |
| 1st Serve % | 61% | 62% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 63% | 68% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 49% | 62% |
| Break points | 5/16 | 8/14 |
“But I don’t know what happened.
“He was cramping maybe, maybe it was the pressure, I don’t know.
“But I wish the best to him and hope he recovers.”
The pressure was certainly on Sinner, as with Carlos Alcaraz out of the picture, he had a golden opportunity to wrap up his Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
Unfortunately for the Italian, it wasn’t to be this year, and he must now turn his attention to the grass-court season.
Cerundolo, on the other hand, can now look forward to the third round of the French Open.
“I am super happy,” he said.
“I tried to play my best.
“I am going to keep trying to play my best.
“Of course, it’s a tournament I really like to play.
“Clay is my best surface, so I hope to be ready for the next match.”
Cerundolo will return to take on either Martin Landaluce or Vit Kopriva in the third round.
How did Juan Manuel Cerundolo pull off the upset vs Jannik Sinner?
Leading 5-1 in the third set, it seemed like Sinner would ease into the third round.
But the Argentine capitalised on Sinner’s frailty and earned himself three break point opportunities at 4-5.
Sinner didn’t return to the baseline, prompting umpire Aurelie Tourte to check on the world number one.
The Italian asked Tourte what his options were, and after a brief discussion, he left the court for a medical assessment.
How would you solve Jannik Sinner being allowed medical treatment for cramps?
Another incident…
During TNT Sports’ French Open coverage, Jim Courier called out the unfair treatment Sinner received.
“We love the top players, they are great for the sport, but you have to apply the rules fairly,” said Courier.
“The rules are being bent for the top players.
“You cannot tell me you have to take him off court to see what his vital signs are like.
“This is absolute baloney.”
When Sinner returned, Cerundolo handled his nerves brilliantly, clinching the third set 7-5.
The world number one made a strong start in the fourth set, leaving many wondering if he had recovered, but couldn’t maintain that level.
Cerundolo continued to apply the pressure, comfortably winning the next two sets.
For the first time in 98 days, Sinner was beaten, in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
