Shocking Sinner defeat ends 26-year streak at Roland Garros
The biggest story of Roland Garros so far took place on Thursday.
World number one and overwhelming favourite Jannik Sinner crashed out of the tournament in the second round to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
The Italian later revealed in his press conference that he wasn’t feeling well, having visibly struggled during the bout.
His exit has blown the tournament wide open, and particularly the top half, in which there are no former Grand Slam champions.
Sinner’s loss has also meant that a 26-year streak has officially come to an end.
Top seeds missing from third round for the first time since 2000
According to Opta Ace, this is the first time in 26 years that both the world number one and two are absent from the men’s singles third round at Roland Garros.
The last occurrence was in 2000, when neither Andre Agassi nor Pete Sampras reached round three.
Back then, Sampras was knocked out in the first round by Mark Philippoussis, while Agassi, who was defending his title, lost in the second round to Karol Kucera.
This year, world number two Carlos Alcaraz missed the tournament due to a wrist injury. Sinner had looked strong after his opening-round win and was widely expected to challenge for the title before his unexpected exit.
French Open favourites after Jannik Sinner’s early exit
With Sinner out, attention has shifted to Alexander Zverev, who is now the highest seed remaining and in a good position to chase his first Grand Slam title.
The German, long seen as the top player yet to win a major, is seeded second in Paris and may not get a better opening than this to finally break through at one of tennis’ biggest stages.
But standing in his way is Novak Djokovic, who remains a constant threat despite not winning since the 2023 US Open.
If Djokovic wins again at Roland Garros, he would move past Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam titles in history – male or female – with 25.
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