World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been eliminated from the French Open after a stunning comeback victory by Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Sinner was ahead by two sets and held a 5-1 lead in the third before Cerundolo mounted a successful rally to win in five sets, according to reports from India Today and Devdiscourse. The top seed's unexpected departure significantly alters the men's singles draw at Roland Garros.
How did the upset unfold?
Juan Manuel Cerundolo won the second-round match 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 after three hours and 36 minutes of play. Sinner appeared to be cruising to a straightforward victory before the momentum shifted dramatically in the third set. According to Devdiscourse, Sinner struggled with illness and fatigue as the match progressed, which contributed to Cerundolo's ability to take control and win the final three sets decisively.
How did the Cerundolo family react?
The victory created a unique situation for the Cerundolo family, as Juan's older brother, Francisco, was playing his own match on another court at the same time. Francisco Cerundolo learned of his brother's surprising win from spectators during his own contest against Hugo Gaston, India Today reported. He later said that he tried to remain focused despite the crowd repeatedly informing him of his brother's result, only fully processing the news after he had secured his own victory.
What other surprises took place?
In another notable result, French 17-year-old Moise Kouame advanced to the third round after a gruelling five-set victory over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay. The match, which lasted nearly five hours, concluded with a 7-6(8) super tie-break, as reported by Devdiscourse. Kouame, a wildcard entrant ranked No. 318, is one of the youngest players to reach the third round at Roland Garros since 1968.
Kouame's next opponent will be Chile's Alejandro Tabilo. The departure of Jannik Sinner from the top half of the draw opens up opportunities for the remaining contenders as the tournament continues.
Sources
- India Today: Juan Cerundolo dumps Jannik Sinner out of French Open, elder brother left stunned
- Devdiscourse: Sibling Surprise: Cerundolo Brothers Shake Up the French Open
Reported from public sources.