Why Isn't Jannik Sinner Playing at the French Open 2026 Anymore?
Why isn't Jannik Sinner playing at the French Open 2026 anymore? The French Open this year is definitely an unusual one because the first, second, fourth and fifth ranked players won't make the final.
Sinner, who is the top ranked men's tennis player in the world, played in the French Open, but he was eliminated in the second round in a shock upset after complaining about cramping from the heat and feeling ill. Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the 56th ranked player in the world, defeated Sinner 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. In other words, Sinner totally collapsed toward the end of the match after starting strong.
What Happened to Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic at the French Open 2026?
Then, the number four player in the world, Novak Djokovic, was eliminated at the French Open 2026 in a similarly shocking upset. Djokovic went down in the third round to Joao Fonseco, who is the 30th ranked men's tennis player in the world. He lost 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 5-7 in a thrilling match.
What of Carlos Alcaraz? He isn't playing in the French Open at all due to a wrist injury, which has sidelined the Spanish tennis star, who is ranked number 2 in men's tennis, since April.
That leaves Alexander Zverev as the highest ranked men's tennis player still playing in the French Open 2026. He's ranked number 3 in the world. Zverev cruised easily through his third round match. Ben Shelton is the fifth ranked men's tennis player in the world. However, he also lost in the second round of the French open, taking yet another superstar out of contention for the final.
What Did Jannik Sinner Say About His Loss at the French Open?
Sinner blamed feeling ill, the heat, and his heavy playing schedule.
Sinner, in his post-match comments, declared it was tough, according to BBC.
"You don't know. I mean, if I don't play Madrid or if I don't play Rome, maybe I come here and I still have a day like this where you feel sick," he said. "So looking back, it's always very tough. I won three tournaments on clay. Incredible results. It's an amazing streak I've had. Of course, in the beginning of the year, this is my main goal here."
According to The New York Times, Sinner has struggled in the heat before. Sinner said he woke up feeling sick, The Times reported, noting, "Sinner, the dominant force in men's tennis, on a 30-match winning streak, struggled to put the ball in the court. He watched balls he would normally run down and crush for a winner pass him by."
And what of Djokovic. Djokovic said he "ran out of gas", according to The Independent,and said of Fonseca, 19: "Incredible match to be part of. Tough one for me to lose being two sets to love up. But huge credit for Joao for really deserving to win the match. He without a doubt was the better player in the important moments."
That means the French Open will see a new winner when the final arrives.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 8:51 AM.