French Open Under Fire for Jannik Sinner Treatment

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner looked to be well on his way to the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros when he hit a major snag in a second-round clash against Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Thursday.

The Italian took a dominant lead, winning the first two sets 6-3, 6-2 and had a commanding 5-1 lead in the third set when the 24-year-old visibly struggled physically midway through the third set.

From 5-1 ahead, Sinner lost 15 consecutive points as Cerundolo surged back into contention on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Eventually while serving at 5-4 and down 0/40, Sinner abruptly left the court for a medial timeout - which isn't guaranteed when suffering through cramps.

French Open Faces Backlash for Jannik Sinner Treatment

Tennis reporters and followers accused the French Open of favorable treatment for the No. 1 player in the world.

"World No. 1 and favorite for the #RolandGarros title JannikSinner was cruising in his 2nd round match until dehydration and cramps started to set it. He was favorably able to leave the court for assessment in the middle of a game and dropped the 3rd set," tennis reporter Myles David said with video of the incident.

World No. 1 and favorite for the #RolandGarros title Jannik Sinner was cruising in his 2nd round match until dehydration and cramps started to set it. He was favorably able to leave the court for assessment in the middle of a game and dropped the 3rd set. pic.twitter.com/fxeisCUjKr

— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) May 28, 2026

Basketball insider and tennis aficionado Adam Zagoria revealed, "Sinner has left the court which is not protocol for cramps."

He added that Jim Courier of the Tennis Channel said, "This is absolute baloney ... This is unfair for Cerundolo. This is not an injury. It's clearly cramping."

Sinner eventually lost the third set and is now in serious trouble in the fourth set, trailing 4-1.

His 30-match winning streak and a bid to complete the Career Grand Slam are slipping away.

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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:10 AM.