World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's shock defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round of the French Open has reshaped the men's singles draw at Roland-Garros. According to Sky Sports, Sinner was the biggest favourite entering a Grand Slam in the men's draw since Rafael Nadal at the 2009 French Open—the same year Nadal also failed to win the title.
Why Sinner's loss matters
Sinner's elimination removed the tournament's top seed and highest-ranked player from contention. His early exit sent shockwaves through the tennis world and opened the door for other contenders to claim the title.
Djokovic also exits
Novak Djokovic, chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, was eliminated the day after Sinner by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca. The back-to-back losses of two of the draw's strongest contenders left the field wide open heading into the later rounds.
Zverev now the favourite
With Sinner and Djokovic gone and no other Grand Slam champions remaining in the draw, Alexander Zverev has emerged as the new favourite, according to Sky Sports. The German third seed has reached three Grand Slam finals over the past six years but has not won one, losing the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Thiem despite holding a two-set lead and serving for the championship. Zverev's big serve and consistent groundstrokes have historically suited clay courts; he has won four of his seven Masters 1000 titles on clay. His path to the title now depends on whether he can manage the pressure of his new favourite status.
Sources
- Sky Sports: French Open: Who's going to win men's singles Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros after Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic shock defeats?. Published 2026-06-01.
Reported from public sources.