Argentine tennis player, Juan Manuel, Cerundolo has admitted that luck played a part in his stunning French Open comeback victory over world No 1 Jannik Sinner, after the Italian collapsed physically despite holding a commanding position in the match.
Ranked 56th in the world, Cerundolo produced the biggest win of his career at the French Open, rallying from two sets down and saving himself from a 5–1 deficit in the third set to prevail 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.
Sinner, who had been in control early on, began to struggle physically as the match turned dramatically, eventually dropping the third set 7-5 before fading in the fourth and fifth sets, both lost 6-1.
The result marked Cerundolo’s first-ever victory over a top-10 opponent and ended Sinner’s 30-match winning streak that had stretched back to the Indian Wells tournament in March.
Cerundolo expresses sympathy for Sinner
Despite sealing a career-defining triumph, Cerundolo was empathetic toward his opponent’s situation and suggested fortune had helped him turn the match around.
“Of course, it was tough for him.
“He was leading the match, like I couldn’t win more than three games a set. So, I think I was a little bit lucky. I feel sorry for him because he deserved to win this match.
“I don’t know what happened. I think he was cramping maybe, maybe the pressure, I don’t know. But I feel sorry for him and hope he recovers.”
The 24-year-old Argentine added, ”I’m super happy. I try to play my best. This is a tournament I really like to play because clay is my best surface, so I hope to be ready for the next match.”
Reacting on TNT Sports, former world No 4 Tim Henman described the result as one of the most remarkable Grand Slam upsets in years.
“One of the biggest upsets in Grand Slams for many, many years. Two sets to one up, 5-1 in the third set, absolute cruise control.
“Sinner’s been beating everyone for months, hasn’t looked like losing, and then, what’s that, 18 of the next 20 games, Cerundolo takes? Phenomenal.”
Meanwhile, former world No 1 Jim Courier criticised the handling of Sinner’s on-court situation during TNT Sports’ coverage, arguing that rules should be applied consistently regardless of ranking.
“We love the top players, they are great for the sport, but you have to apply the rules fairly,” said Courier.
“The rules are being bent for the top players.
“You cannot tell me you have to take him off court to see what his vital signs are like.
“This is absolute baloney.”
