Why Tennis Star Jannik Skinner Was Eliminated from the French Open

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Top player Jannik Sinner struggled with the hot weather during his second-round match at the 2026 French Open.

Despite being the favorite to win the tournament and achieve a career Grand Slam, the 24-year-old tennis player had a tough time in his May 28th match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who was ranked 56th. The 90-degree heat clearly affected his energy levels during the game.

Sinner entered the competition with an impressive 30-match winning streak and started strong, easily winning the first two sets. However, despite leading 5-1 in the third set, he suddenly lost eighteen consecutive points and then needed medical assistance.

When Sinner returned to the clay court at Roland Garros in Paris, things quickly went downhill. He lost three more games, then the set, and ultimately the match.

After his win, Cerundolo expressed sympathy for his opponent, saying he felt bad because the player had deserved to win many games, and especially this one. He wasn’t sure what caused the shift in performance that led to the loss.

Allow us to serve up some facts.Ā 

Who Is Jannik Sinner?

This Italian tennis star is a true force to be reckoned with. He’s won four major championships ā€“ consecutive Australian Open titles, the 2024 US Open, and Wimbledon the following year ā€“ and is currently ranked number one in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals. As the first Italian player ever to reach the top spot, heā€™s ahead of competitors like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic.

Having already won the other major tennis championships, the 6’3″ player, who began his professional career in 2018, was aiming to win the French Open and complete a rare career Grand Slam.

What Happened to Jannik Sinner at the 2026 French Open?

Everyone expected the tennis player, known for his strong backhand, to easily win his second match at the French Open. He started strong, winning the first two sets against Cerundolo of Argentina, but he began to tire in the third. Despite getting help from trainers, he seemed exhausted, repeatedly bending over and having trouble running to reach the ball.

Despite trying to stay calm with a fan and ice packs, Sinner suffered a surprising defeat, losing 18 of the first 20 games.

Despite being a huge underdog ā€“ with odds of 32-1 according to DraftKings Sportsbook ā€“ Cerendulo managed to defeat the top-seeded Sinner, who became the first men’s number one seed in over 25 years to not reach the third round of the tournament.

What Did Jannik Sinner Say After His French Open Loss?

After the match, Sinner said the bounces just werenā€™t going his way. He told reporters that he wasnā€™t feeling his best while playing, but acknowledged that happens sometimes. He felt he was in a good position, especially in the third set, but couldnā€™t close it out and then struggled with his game.

Sinner acknowledged his opponent played well, but he wasn’t happy with his own game.

He said he began to feel dizzy and extremely tired during the match. He tried to finish it, but just didn’t have the energy. He intentionally lost the fourth set, hoping to regain some strength for the fifth, but things only got worse from there.

Though temps climbed past 90, Sinner didn’t feel too hot under the collar about the situation.Ā 

He explained to reporters that he was simply feeling low on energy. While it was warm, he didn’t think the heat affected his performance. He said it was just an off day for him, and that happens sometimes.

Which Tennis Stars Are Still Competing at the French Open?

Since Novak Djokovic won the 2023 US Open, either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz have won every major tournament. However, with Alcaraz injured and unable to play in Paris, and with Sinner already eliminated, Djokovic is now the only player in the competition who has ever won a Grand Slam title. This means someone other than Sinner or Alcaraz is guaranteed to win this tournament.

Flavio Cobolli, ranked tenth, reached the third round of the tournament, along with Learner Tien (ranked eighteenth) and Francisco Cerundolo, brother of another competitor.

Who Is Jannik Sinner Dating?

Despite rumors, Jannik Sinner and model Brooks Nader are not dating. After Brooks’s sister, Grace Ann Nader, suggested to TopMob News that Brooks was actually seeing Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner confirmed the rumors were false.

After winning the Vienna Open in October, tennis star Jannik Sinner publicly acknowledged his relationship with model Laila Hasanovic. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his family, girlfriend, friends, and team for their support, also extending gratitude to those watching from home.

Jannik Sinner isn’t the only tennis pro in a relationship! Here’s a look at other athletes who’ve found love with their partners.

In March 2025, tennis player and soccer star Trinity Rodman publicly confirmed their relationship with a kiss shared on Instagram, marking the arrival of a new power couple in the sports world.

She’s consistently been a strong advocate during major tennis tournaments, and she’s fiercely defended Ben Shelton, even shutting down reporters who brought up his father, Dennis Rodman, and redirecting the conversation back to Shelton’s achievements at Wimbledon.

Rodman addressed Wimbledon commentators on her Instagram story, upset that they mentioned her father during her partner Benā€™s matches. She explained that her father isn’t involved in her life and she doesnā€™t want him discussed in connection with either of their games.

Fritz and Morgan Riddle began dating in 2020 after connecting on the Raya dating app. Since then, Riddle has consistently supported Fritz as heā€™s improved his ranking in professional tennis.

Oh my gosh, it all started when I actually met him! A few months after that, I somehow ended up joining him on tour ā€“ can you believe it?! And now, four years later, Iā€™m still with him. Itā€™s been the most incredible four years of my life, honestly!

The couple has frequently offered fans a peek into their relationship. Taylor Fritz, who was previously married to tennis player Raquel Pedraza from 2016 to 2019 and shares a son, Jordan, born in 2017, and Jordan Riddle were both featured on the Netflix series Break Point, which gives an inside look at professional tennis.

As of 2023,Ā two-timeĀ grand slam championĀ was purposelyĀ keepingĀ her love life private.Ā 

She explained in March 2023 that she enjoys sharing certain aspects of her personality, while keeping others private. She also feels a sense of control over her own life.

After winning the 2023 US Open, Coco Gauff immediately called her boyfriend to share the moment. It turns out his fourth-grade teacher was actually Gauffā€™s mom! They talked for hours, until 1:00 am, just to process everything before she finally went to sleep. Heā€™s been a great person to talk things through with.

Dimitrov and Eiza GonzĆ”lez confirmed they were dating on Instagram in May 2025, shortly after rumors began circulating. Since then, the actress, known for her role in Baby Driver, has been very supportive of the athlete, even during challenging times ā€“ like when he had to drop out of Wimbledon in early July 2025 because of an injury during a match.

On July 7th, GonzĆ”lez shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “My love, Iā€™m so incredibly proud of you.” She acknowledged the difficult moment, saying it would pass and ultimately make him stronger. Watching him compete, she was reminded of his true character and unwavering strength. “You’re a winner, and everyone saw that,” she wrote. “I know you’ll succeed again. I love you.”

In 2024, the tennis couple revealed they were engaged after dating for nearly five years. Boulter shared the news with a playful caption: ā€œWeā€™ve been keeping a little secret!ā€

I remember when they first met ā€“ it was back in 2020 at a hotel. Apparently, they ran into each other super early, around six in the morning, and ended up grabbing coffee together. Katie Boulter actually told the Sydney Morning Herald in June 2024 that she just knew from that moment on that this was something special and she was in it for the long run!

I was so sad to hear that Naomi and Cordae officially split up in January 2025, after five wonderful years together. They’ve both said they’re still friends, which is good to hear, and Naomi has shared how thankful she is for their relationship because it gave them their beautiful daughter, Shai. It’s bittersweet, but I’m glad they’re focusing on co-parenting and remaining amicable.

I’m so grateful our paths crossed. My daughter is the greatest joy in my life, and I learned so much from our time together.

While Paul excels at basketball, his girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, who he started dating in 2022, often provides guidance and support in his personal life.

Paul shared with People magazine in April 2025 that his partner has been encouraging him to focus on self-care, though for him, itā€™s as simple as wearing sunscreen and moisturizing at night.

Lorenze admits he’s impressed with his girlfriend’s tennis skills. “She’s actually quite good,” he said. “She has solid technique and really knows how to play.”

The tennis players have a strong connection both on and off the court. They first met after Svitolinaā€™s win at the 2018 WTA Finals in Singapore and later married in July 2021. Just over a year after their wedding, they had a daughter named SkaĆÆ.

In October 2022, GaĆ«l Monfils announced the birth of his daughter, SkaĆÆ, on Instagram. He described the night of her birth as the best of his life, praising his wife Elina for her strength and bravery. He also expressed his gratitude to both his wife and God for this special moment.

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2026-05-28 20:48