Jannik Sinner "hit the wall" in losing from two sets and 5-1 up to Juan Manuel Cerundolo at Roland Garros

When Jannik Sinner led Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 Thursday at Roland Garros, no one could have predicted the 180-degree turn to come on Court Philippe Chatrier.

With Sinner seemingly struggling with the excessive heat, Cerundolo stunned everyone inside by winning 18 of the final 20 games to bring the world No. 1’s 30-match win streak to a crashing halt in the second round.

The Italian had opened his event by playing in the night session against France’s Clement Tabur. This marks his earliest exit on the major stage since bowing out in the second round here three years ago to Daniel Altmaier.

“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy. Very low of energy. Tried to serve it out, but didn't have a lot of energy,” Sinner shared during his press conference. “Fourth set, I let it go a little bit trying to have a bit more energy in the fifth. Very important game the first one. Couldn't hold. Then it went a bit downwards.

“But, yeah, woke up this morning, didn't feel very well and tried to keep the points very short. Also in the beginning I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just kind of hit the wall, and that's it.”

Sinner had won every clay-court event he entered coming into Paris, picking up trophies in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome in cementing himself as the pre-tournament favorite. And with the absence of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, it only strengthened Sinner’s bid to complete a Career Grand Slam.

Instead, Novak Djokovic is the lone former major title holder left in the men’s draw—with Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic and Daniil Medvedev previously falling in the first round.

For Cerundolo, his comeback performance clinched a maiden Top 10 win. Sinner did not reach match point when he led the contest.

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