Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo reacts during his French Open 2026 second-round match against Italy's Jannik Sinner. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo delivered the biggest shock of French Open 2026, beating World No. 1 Jannik Sinner 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 in their second round match at the Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday.

Sinner struggled with the heat and wasted a chance to serve for the match. The Italian was on a 30-match winning streak stretching back to February, and the odds were overwhelming that he’d complete a career Grand Slam by winning the only big title missing in his tennis career — especially with two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz out due to an injured right wrist.

Sinner bent over on the clay court in apparent exhaustion multiple times and was hardly even running for shots as the match wore on, resorting to drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics to try and shorten the points.

“I was a little bit lucky; I feel sorry for him; I don’t know what happened; he was cramping, maybe the pressure. I feel sorry for him and hope he recovers,” said Cerundolo.

“I tried to play my best; I’m going to keep trying to play my best. The clay is my best surface, and I hope to be ready for the next match,” added Cerundolo.

Who is Juan Manuel Cerundolo?

Cerundolo is currently 56th in the ATP Rankings.

He began playing tennis at the age of three and turned professional in 2018. He won his first ATP title at the Córdoba Open in 2021. Earlier this month, the Argentine lifted an ATP Challenger title in Bordeaux, beating four Top-100 opponents on his way to the trophy.

His brother Francisco Cerundolo is also a player on the ATP Tour and is taking on Hugo Gaston in the second round at Roland Garros.

Playing with his left, the younger Cerundolo naturally looked up to Rafael Nadal, and Roland Garros is his favourite tournament. His forehand is his standout shot, capable of causing problems with its heavy spin and high bounce.

(With inputs from AP)

Published on May 28, 2026