Juan Cerundolo knocks Jannik Sinner out of French Open, older brother left stunned

Francisco Cerundolo was left stunned in Paris when mid-match news broke that his younger brother Juan had caused one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 French Open by knocking out world number one Jannik Sinner in a dramatic five-set thriller at Roland Garros.

Sinner, who entered the tournament in dominant form after winning six consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles, started strongly and looked in control, leading 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 and seemingly on course for a routine victory. But Juan launched a remarkable comeback that completely shifted the momentum.

After three hours and 36 minutes Juan completed the turnaround to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. While this drama was unfolding, Francisco was competing on another field against Hugo Gaston. During his match, he began receiving constant updates from the audience and even his own team about his brother’s extraordinary comeback.

At first confused, Francisco tried to block out the noise and stay focused, assuming the crowd’s reactions were premature or wrong. However, as the outcome became clear, the disbelief became increasingly difficult to ignore.

People in the stands repeatedly shouted that his brother had already won, so Francisco struggled to stay focused amid the unfolding chaos. He later admitted his shock, saying that he tried to process what he heard while playing.

“After I won my match, I looked at my family and they were saying ‘two out of two’. So I thought he won too. During the match, people in the crowd kept telling me, ‘Your brother won, your brother won,’ but I just tried to stay focused on my own game,” Francisco said after the match.

“WORK PAYS”

Juan’s victory unfolded under extraordinary circumstances at Court Philippe-Chatrier Sinner’s physical condition deteriorated sharply in the Parisian heat. Sinner struggled with dizziness, convulsions and low energy, necessitating a medical break. Juan made great use of the situation. He remained composed under pressure, extending the rally and forcing mistakes from the struggling top seed.

As Sinner’s level dropped, Juan charged forward. Francisco said he was very happy for his brother, praising his hard work, daily efforts and strong season. He said beating Sinner, especially in straight sets, showed resilience and made the win even more impressive.

“I’m really happy for him because I know how hard he works and how much he loves tennis. He tries every day and it’s great to see it pay off. He had a strong year, he followed up on a good season last year, so he really deserved to get to the third round of a Grand Slam,” Francisco said.

Juan will next face Spain’s Martin Landaluc, who beat Czech Vt Kopriva 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-0. This is Juan’s first career Grand Slam third-round appearance, making his 2026 French Open his best showing to date.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

May 29, 2026 12:52 PM IST