251011 -- WUHAN, Oct. 11, 2025 -- Aryna Sabalenka reacts during the women s singles semifinal between Jessica Pegula of the United States and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the 2025 Wuhan Open tennis tournament in Wuhan, central China s Hubei Province, Oct. 11, 2025. SPCHINA-WUHAN-TENNIS-WUHAN OPEN-WOMEN S SINGLES CN WuxZhizun PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
251011 -- WUHAN, Oct. 11, 2025 -- Aryna Sabalenka reacts during the women s singles semifinal between Jessica Pegula of the United States and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the 2025 Wuhan Open tennis tournament in Wuhan, central China s Hubei Province, Oct. 11, 2025. SPCHINA-WUHAN-TENNIS-WUHAN OPEN-WOMEN S SINGLES CN WuxZhizun PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
Italian hotshot Jannik Sinner is the top-ranked player in the world, but his dreams of the French Open will remain incomplete for another year. His counterpart, the women’s world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, expressed her disappointment as Sinner’s journey at Roland-Garros ends prematurely.
Sinner entered the second round of the French Open on Thursday against Argentine player Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The world no. 56 pulled off a shock victory against Sinner, who was the top seed for the Roland-Garros. Sabalenka elaborated on her frustrations at Sinner’s loss on an X video posted by The Tennis Letter.
“I felt so bad for him. I always cheer for Jannik, and to see him struggle like that was really painful to see. I was rooting til the very last moment. I was hoping for him to win.”
After a decent showing from Sinner in the first two sets, Cerundolo took control. The Argentine won the exchange, winning the last three sets in an unexpected comeback from being down two sets. Cerundolo won 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.
Sabalenka, a long-term supporter of Sinner, expressed sadness at seeing her colleague fall
“I wasn’t really thinking about my schedule. If I start later it’s okay for me. I was just worried he’s not gonna close the match. Sad for him but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come back even stronger.”
Sinner will look to address these health concerns before his next tournament. He will have to take a look at his physical health as well, as it became a determining factor in his last match.
Jannik Sinner Not at His Usual Best During French Open Round 2
Court Philippe-Chatrier was ablaze with action on Thursday, as Sinner and Cerundolo battled for supremacy. The first two sets saw Sinner play at his usual best, but the third set brought with it an unforeseen set of issues.
With the heatwave in Paris, even top players are feeling the effects. After his two-set lead, Sinner was seen walking off the court to seek medical attention for cramping. When he returned, his game dipped drastically.
He later spoke to the media about the issues he was facing, per CNN.
“I struggled and started to feel very dizzy, very low on energy. I tried to serve it out but didn’t have a lot of energy.”
Sinner admitted that even though his game was strong, he was unable to find his usual rhythm.
“The middle of the third set (is when I started having problems), even though I was playing some great tennis, but I really couldn’t find any energy today.”
While Sinner did not make excuses for this performance, he did speak about health issues he had faced on the morning of the game.
“I woke up this morning, didn’t feel very well and tried to keep the points very short.”
While Sabalenka has won in both Round 1 and 2, Sinner unfortunately had to say goodbye to his French Open title charge. While the heat may have played a role, Cerundolo gave it his all to overcome the World No. 1.
What do you think of Jannik Sinner’s second-round exit at the 2026 French Open? Let us know in the comments.
