Jannik Sinner might have a heat problem, but tennis has a bigger one
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Jannik Sinner, world No. 1 and on a 30-match winning streak, was defeated in the second round of the French Open by Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, succumbing to dizziness and cramps in near 90-degree heat.
- Sinner acknowledged feeling unwell before the match and pushed back against blaming the heat alone, though the conditions were taxing, with temperatures nearing but not triggering the tournament's heat rule.
- The French Open has faced criticism for inadequate preparation for extreme heat, lacking sufficient shade, cooling facilities, and player accommodations compared to other Grand Slams like the US Open and Australian Open.
- Other players have also struggled with the heat, including Casper Ruud and Jakub Menšík, highlighting broader challenges in managing rising temperatures amid increasingly physical tennis demands.
- Sinner’s loss marks a missed chance to match Carlos Alcaraz’s achievement of winning all four Grand Slam titles, underscoring the impact of physical and environmental factors on top-level competition.