A shock exit? Drama for top favourite Sinner in Paris

Sinner

Tournament favourite Jannik Sinner is battling serious physical issues during the French Open in Paris.

In his second-round match against Argentine Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, the Italian looked poised for a comfortable win until, serving at 5-2 in the third set, he suddenly lost his rhythm and could barely return a ball. With the temperature soaring to 33°C (91°F) in the shade, the heat appeared to sap his strength, and the world number one repeatedly sought the scarce shade patches on Centre Court.

Sinner has long struggled in extreme heat, and against Cerúndolo his discomfort became apparent in the third set. A palpable sense of helplessness washed over Sinner's box as he surrendered his service game without winning a single point. At 6-3, 6-2, 5-4 in his favour, he stopped serving, took a medical time-out and said he felt "dizzy".

Although he briefly returned, Sinner looked dazed and surrendered the third set before dropping serve in the fourth. An unexpected early exit now looms.