The scorching heat in Paris has created havoc on the claycourts of the French Open. Several tennis players, including Casper Ruud and Jakub Menšík, have faced the consequences of contesting the best-of-five format in brutal conditions. While the two players won their respective matches, Jannik Sinner, who was on a 30-match winning streak, became the latest victim.
When Novak Djokovic and Sinner made their debuts against French players during evening sessions on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the tennis community questioned whether the tournament was potentially providing top players with favorable conditions.
Interestingly, Djokovic was placed third in the day-session slot for his second match against French local Valentin Royer. Meanwhile, on Thursday, May 28, Sinner opened the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier at 12 p.m. local time.
Jannik Sinner’s Coach Daren Cahill Cleared the Air on French Open Scheduling
After his 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory against Frenchman Clement Tabur on Tuesday, Sinner faced Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. The Italian, who was the overwhelming favorite to win the title, crashed out of the tournament after being 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 up.
Sinner began struggling and dramatically lost his advantage to eventually lose the third set 7-5. In the next two sets, the World No. 1 found no respite, as he reportedly struggled with cramps, dizziness, and dehydration in the extreme heat.
Before the match, his coach, Darren Cahill, addressed the controversial accusations against the French Open over claims of favoritism when it came to schedule. He said that if they were offered privileges, Sinner would’ve opted for a night match or an 11:00 am start on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
“I think if we were trying to get away from the sun, we would’ve asked for the night match or first match on Lenglen,” he said.
The Australian coach added that they were made aware of his day-session match on Court Philippe-Chatrier after he won his opener.
“We knew after he won his first round that he’d probably be first or second on Chatrier today. So, for us, it didn’t matter if it was first or second, and we were scheduled first, so no problems for us.”
Darren Cahill on Jannik Sinner opening Chatrier:
“I think if we were trying to get away from the sun we would ask for the night match or the 1st match on Lenglen. No, we knew after our 1st match. So, for us, it didn’t matter and it’s no problem for us.” pic.twitter.com/v7puXzSYVy
— janniksin archive (@sinnervideos) May 28, 2026
The 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 exit was Sinner’s earliest loss at a Grand Slam since the 2023 French Open, where he similarly lost a five-set match against Daniel Altmaier in the second round despite having two match points in the fourth set.
MORE: Why Did Jannik Sinner Stop French Open Match Mid-Game? Brutal Conditions and Chair Umpire Exchange
The Italian will now shift his focus to the grass swing. He hasn’t entered any tournament before Wimbledon. It remains to be seen if Sinner alters his schedule to accept a wildcard at the ATP 500 events in Halle or London (Queen’s Club Championships) after his early loss in Paris.
