Heat & Juan Manuel Cerundolo take out Jannik Sinner in French Open stunner

ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was the odds-on favorite to win the 2026 French Open as soon as news emerged that defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was not playing due to his wrist injury.

As Andrey Rublev said a few weeks ago, Sinner eventually has to lose a tennis match. While it did not happen against Rublev at the Italian Open, it happened on Day 5 of the 2026 French Open against Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo.

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Cerundolo plus heat was disastrous for Sinner

The French Open heat wave continues with temperatures at or near 90 degrees. Sinner played in the intense heat for the first time and was feeling the effects of it as the match extended to five sets. He won the first two sets before dropping the final three.

He has dealt with heat issues in the past, and other players have struggled this year at the French Open so it is not out of the norm.

Temperatures are over 20 degrees above normal which dramatically changes court conditions, rallies, and the intense sun adds to the challenges players endure.

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Draw is wide open

Alcaraz and Sinner have won all the Grand Slams in recent years.

The only other Grand Slam champion in the men’s draw is Novak Djokovic.

Could this open the door for him to win the elusive 25th?

Yes, it definitely could. However, it also could mean a maiden Grand Slam champion will be crowned on June 7 at the men’s final at Roland Garros.

Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, and Casper Ruud are veterans on the ATP Tour who have long been considered among the best to not win a Grand Slam.

Or could it open the door for Americans like Learner Tien, Alex Michelsen, relative unknown Zachary Svajda, or others who have nothing to lose and everything to gain with a great run at this year’s French Open.