Top seed Sinner exits French Open as local teen Kouamé roars into third round

Sinner's shock exit came after the Italian faded badly in the Paris heat during a five-set defeat to world number 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo on centre court.

The 24-year-old had been the overwhelming favourite for the clay-court Grand Slam after winning Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, and arrived in Paris on a 30-match winning streak dating back to the Qatar Open in February.

But after cruising through the opening two sets, Sinner let slip two chances to close out the match in the third set while leading 5-2 and 5-4. Cerundolo eventually completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.

Heat struggle

As temperatures climbed from 29C to 32C, Sinner began to wilt on the red clay.

The Italian bent over several times in apparent exhaustion and barely chased down shots late in the match as the momentum swung heavily towards Cerundolo.

During changeovers, Sinner tried to cool himself with a hand-held fan and wrapped bags of ice around his neck.

Between the third and fourth sets, he received medical treatment and left the court. Minerals were added to his drink when he returned, but he was unable to recover.

“It's tough for him,” said Cerundolo. “He was winning the match. I couldn't win more than three games in any of the first two sets.

“I think I was a little bit lucky. He was serving to win this match but then I don't know what happened.

“But of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers. I'm super happy. I'm going to keep trying to play my best tennis. I hope to be ready for the next match.”

Cerundolo, from Argentina, will face Martin Landaluce of Spain or Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic for a place in the last 16.

Teen breakthrough

While Sinner was collapsing on centre court, loud cheers echoed across Court Suzanne Lenglen as Kouamé produced the biggest win of his young career.

The wildcard survived a comeback from Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo to claim a remarkable 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) victory after four hours and 56 minutes on a raucous and boiling hot Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Kouamé became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2003.

After wins for Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca on Wednesday, it is the first time three teenagers have reached the third round of the men's singles at Roland Garros since Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils in 2006.

Kouamé had already become the youngest man to win a Grand Slam match in 17 years with his first-round victory over Marin Cilic. France's Moise Kouamé reacts after winning a point against Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo during their second-round men's singles match at the French Open on Court Suzanne Lenglen at Roland Garros in Paris on 28 May 2026.

The French teenager powered into a two-set lead to the delight of the home crowd but started to fade in the baking heat as Vallejo fought back to level the match.

Vallejo then served for the match at 5-3 in the deciding set, but Kouamé dragged himself back from the brink to level at 5-5 before sealing victory in a tense super tie-break.

“I would not have won this match without you,” said Kouamé as he gestured towards the crowd during his on-court interview with former player Julien Benneteau.

“Frankly, without you, I would never have won this match, never,” Kouamé told the crowd.

“Thank you. Thank you,” Kouamé added. “You're probably more tired than me with all the cheering you were doing ... well at least it worked. Thank you.”

(with newswires)