Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open in scorching conditions on Thursday in one of the biggest upsets of the men’s tournament, while 17-year-old French hope Moise Kouamé became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal in 2003 – after a near five-hour marathon on his Roland Garros debut.
Issued on: 28/05/2026 - 17:26Modified: 28/05/2026 - 17:52
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Sinner’s shock exit came after the Italian faded badly in the Paris heat during a five-set defeat to world number 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo on centre court. The 24-year-old had been the overwhelming favourite for the clay-court Grand Slam after winning Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, and arrived in Paris on a 30-match winning streak dating back to the Qatar Open in February. But after cruising through the opening two sets, Sinner let slip two chances to close out the match in the third set while leading 5-2 and 5-4. Cerundolo eventually completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Heat struggle As temperatures climbed from 29C to 32C, Sinner began to wilt on the red clay. The Italian bent over several times in apparent exhaustion and barely chased down shots late in the match as the momentum swung heavily towards Cerundolo. During changeovers, Sinner tried to cool himself with a hand-held fan and wrapped bags of ice around his neck. Between the third and fourth sets, he received medical treatment and left the court. Minerals were added to his drink when he returned, but he was unable to recover. “It’s tough for him,” said Cerundolo. “He was winning the match. I couldn't win more than three games in any of the first two sets. “I think I was a little bit lucky. He was serving to win this match but then I don't know what happened. “But of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers. I'm super happy. I'm going to keep trying to play my best tennis. I hope to be ready for the next match.” Cerundolo, from Argentina, will face Martin Landaluce of Spain or Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic for a place in the last 16. Teen breakthrough While Sinner was collapsing on centre court, loud cheers echoed across Court Suzanne Lenglen as Kouamé produced the biggest win of his young career. The wildcard survived a comeback from Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo to claim a remarkable 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) victory after four hours and 56 minutes on a raucous and boiling hot Court Suzanne Lenglen. Kouamé became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2003. After wins for Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca on Wednesday, it is the first time three teenagers have reached the third round of the men’s singles at Roland Garros since Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils in 2006. Kouamé had already become the youngest man to win a Grand Slam match in 17 years with his first-round victory over Marin Cilic.
