Sachin Tendulkar explains Jannik Sinner's French Open nightmare with one brutal truth: 'A unique helplessness in sport'

Jannik Sinner will now need to wait longer for a career Grand Slam. He has never won the French Open.

Published on: May 29, 2026, 07:05:17 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Sachin Tendulkar pointed out the ‘unique helplessness’ in Jannik Sinner's performance, after the Italian crashed out of the French Open. Sinner fell to a defeat against Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round, losing 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Sinner struggled with dizziness due to the extreme heat wave, and also wasted two chances to serve for the match.

Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open on Thursday. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

The result also saw Sinner's 30-match winning run come to an end. Taking to X, Sachin tried to explain to fans that Sinner's body and mind weren't working together, labelling it as 'unique helplessness'.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner crashes out of French Open, 30-match winning streak ends at hands of Juan Manuel Cerundolo in Paris heat

‘Unique helplessness’: Sachin Tendulkar

"There’s a unique helplessness in sport when the mind wants to push forward, but the body has other plans. Felt for Jannik Sinner today because these moments can be deeply painful. Remember, the true measure of a champion is always in the comeback", he wrote.

"But this is also why sport remains so unpredictable and special. Full credit to Juan Manuel Cerundolo for staying composed, believing till the very end, and making the most of his opportunity," he added.

Sinner will now need to wait longer for a career Grand Slam. He has never won the French Open. The Italian bent over on the clay court in exhaustion multiple times, and after a point, he didn't make any attempt to run for shots, resorting to drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics to try to shorten the points.

He also tried to cool himself with a hand-held fan during changeovers and also put bags of ice around his neck. When the match began, the temperature was 29 degrees Celsius, and it rose to 32 degrees.

Speaking after the match, Cerundolo said, "It's tough for him. I couldn't win more than three sets. So I think I was a little bit lucky. … He was deserving to win in this match. But then I don't know what happened. … I feel sorry for him and hope he recovers."

In the third set, Sinner was serving for the match at 5-4, 0-40, when he walked to his chair and asked for assistance. After losing the set 7-5, he received medical attention and left the court.

After the match, Sinner said, "I didn’t feel very well on court. I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy, very low on energy. ... In the beginning, I was hitting very clean, very good, and then I just kind of hit the wall."

"I didn’t have energy, really. I was very, very flat. The whole body. I don’t remember last time I felt this weak," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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