“No One Is a Robot”: Jannik Sinner Opens Up After Roland-Garros Defeat

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner admitted it was “tough to accept” after suffering one of the most shocking defeats of the 2026 French Open, crashing out in the second round against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo at Roland-Garros.

The Italian superstar, who entered the tournament riding a remarkable 30-match winning streak, appeared firmly in control after taking the opening two sets before physical exhaustion and dizziness completely changed the course of the match. Cerúndolo mounted an incredible comeback to defeat Sinner 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 in a gripping three-hour and 36-minute battle on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Speaking after the defeat, Sinner admitted he struggled physically throughout the latter stages of the encounter.

“I didn't feel very well on court, but it can happen,” Sinner said. “I was in a good spot in the third set. I couldn't serve it out. Then I struggled quite a bit.”

Despite the disappointment, the four-time Grand Slam champion praised Cerúndolo’s fighting spirit and performance under pressure.

“Congrats to him. I don't want to take anything away from him. He played a very solid match, especially in the end, and that's the sport,” Sinner added.

The Italian revealed that a combination of fatigue, lack of recovery time, and poor sleep contributed to his physical collapse during the match.

“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy. Very low of energy. Tried to serve it out, but didn't have a lot of energy,” he explained. “Fourth set, I let it go a little bit, trying to have a bit more energy in the fifth.”

Sinner also confirmed that he plans to take a break from competition to recover mentally and physically ahead of Wimbledon. The World No. 1 said he is unlikely to participate in any grass-court tournaments before the Grand Slam in London.

“Now I really need some time off, to recover completely, and also mentally, and then be ready to go again for Wimbledon,” he said.

Sinner’s early exit has completely opened up the men’s draw at Roland-Garros, especially with several top contenders already eliminated or sidelined through injury, setting the stage for an unpredictable finish to the 2026 French Open.