PARIS : Jannik Sinner’s shock second-round exit at Roland Garros blew the French Open men’s draw wide open on Thursday, while women’s title contenders Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff cruised into the third round with commanding victories.
World number one Sinner, bidding to complete a career Grand Slam, suffered a dramatic 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 defeat by Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo after appearing firmly in control on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Italian had arrived in Paris as the overwhelming favourite following titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, especially with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury and Novak Djokovic struggling for form.
But Sinner’s campaign unravelled spectacularly after he led by two sets and held a 5-1 advantage in the third before fading physically.
“I struggled, started to feel very dizzy,” Sinner said. “I was very low on energy. I tried to serve it out but didn’t have a lot of energy.”
Cerundolo said he remained composed despite Sinner’s physical problems.
“The match was almost lost, but I stayed mentally strong during the whole match,” the Argentine said. “I was prepared to battle as long as it took.”
Sinner’s exit has opened the door for players such as Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud to chase the title, although fifth seed Ben Shelton also crashed out, losing 6-4 7-5 6-4 to Belgium’s Raphael Collignon.
In the women’s draw, top seed Sabalenka beat French wildcard Elsa Jacquemot 7-5 6-2, while defending champion Gauff eased past Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 6-3 6-2.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka continued her encouraging run with a 7-6(1) 6-4 victory over Donna Vekic, and Amanda Anisimova advanced after Julia Grabher retired ill.
French teenager Moise Kouame delighted home fans with a five-set win over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, becoming one of the youngest men to reach the Roland Garros third round in the professional era.
