In France, Jannik Sinner's aspirations for a career Grand Slam were derailed during his second-round match at the French Open, which occurred on May 28, 2026. Sinner faced Juan Manuel Cerundolo, ranked 56th, in conditions that proved to be extremely challenging due to the high heat. At the start of the match, temperatures soared from 29 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius, impacting Sinner's performance severely. Despite leading 6-3, 6-2, and 5-2 and being just a game away from winning, he suffered a significant collapse. Sinner's struggles began to manifest physically; he could be seen bending over in exhaustion multiple times. His inability to manage the oppressive heat led him to resort to unconventional tactics such as drop shots and serve-and-volley plays, aimed at reducing the length of rallies. He also attempted to cool himself down using a handheld fan and ice bags during changeovers. After asking for medical assistance, he briefly left the court for treatment, as he felt dizzy and appeared to be suffering from cramps. When he returned, he was given a drink with added minerals, but it was evident that he was unable to recover. The match took a decisive turn when Sinner, who was already physically taxed, lost the third set 7-5 after serving for the match. Cerundolo took advantage of Sinner's physical decline and dominated the remaining sets, winning them both 6-1. This dramatic fall from grace for Sinner was shocking not only due to his favorable position in the match but also because he had entered the tournament riding a remarkable 30-match winning streak, which included five consecutive titles. The unexpected outcome of the match further opened the men's draw at the French Open, leaving it more competitive than it had been in years. With two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz already out due to an injury, the landscape of the tournament had shifted drastically, prompting discussions about who might now take the title. This defeat marked a significant moment in Sinner's career, highlighting the impact of physical conditions on performance in high-stakes matches and leaving many fans and analysts uncertain about the tournament's future direction.