World number one Jannik Sinner, a heavy favourite for the French Open title, has announced he will take time off from the sport after a stunning second-round exit at Roland-Garros. The 24-year-old Italian, who entered the tournament on a formidable 30-match winning streak, suffered a dramatic collapse against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo, losing 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.

Sinner’s defeat was made all the more surprising given his dominant start to the match. He had established a commanding two-set lead and was serving for the match at 5-1 in the third set when his physical condition visibly deteriorated. After receiving treatment on court, Sinner lost the third set 7-5, and his challenge quickly unravelled in the subsequent sets.

A sudden collapse on court

Speaking after the match, Sinner attributed his performance to a sudden lack of energy. “I woke up this morning, didn’t feel very well and tried to keep points very short,” he explained. “In the beginning I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just hit a wall.” He elaborated on the mid-match struggles, stating, “I started feeling dizzy. Very low on energy. I tried to serve it out but I didn’t have a lot of energy.”

Sinner was quick to dismiss the notion that the conditions were to blame. “It was warm, but not crazy warm. I feel like it was quite OK to play. It was nothing against the heat, nothing against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens.” He concluded, “I had no energy today. That can happen. Nobody is a robot.”

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Prior concerns and a needed break

Concerns over Sinner’s physical state are not entirely new. He reportedly struggled with the heat at this year’s Australian Open, and revelations from the Italian Open director, Angelo Binaghi, suggest deeper issues. Binaghi told Eurosport that fellow Italian player Matteo Berrettini had informed him Sinner “couldn’t” carry on during his home tournament earlier this month, where Sinner completed the ‘Career Golden Masters’ with a win over Casper Ruud.

Following his French Open exit, Sinner confirmed his intention to step away temporarily. He issued a statement on X.

Looking ahead to Wimbledon

The decision to take a break comes at a crucial point in the season, with Wimbledon next month. Sinner’s withdrawal from competition will allow him to recover and regroup, aiming to return refreshed for the grass-court season. His early exit at Roland-Garros, especially after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal made him the overwhelming favourite, marks a significant moment in what has otherwise been an extraordinary year for the young Italian.

Sources: Eurosport, X

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