Biggest Upsets In Early Rounds Of The 2026 French Open

BusinessSportsMoneyBiggest Upsets In Early Rounds Of The 2026 French OpenByMerlisa Lawrence Corbett,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is an award-winning journalist and author.Follow AuthorMay 29, 2026, 09:16am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.TOPSHOT - Italy's Jannik Sinner tries to cool down during a break of play in his men's singles match against Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo on day 5 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 28, 2026. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesThe oddsmakers made Jannik Sinner such a favorite to win the 2026 French Open that his trophy ceremony at Roland Garros seemed inevitable. Yet Sinner, the No. 1 ranked player and reigning Australian Open champion, joined several top seeds upset in the first two rounds of the French Open.Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the younger brother of No. 25 seed Francisco Cerundolo, stunned Sinner 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Sinner led 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 before he wilted in the record heat at Roland Garros. Cerundolo noticed Sinner’s movement deteriorating in the third set. “I started to notice that something like wasn’t good, because I mean he was beating me pretty easy, if I have to say so,” Cerundolo said. “Why should he change the tactic, you know, and make the point shorter if he, he doesn’t need?”Sinner’s loss is the biggest upset of the tournament, and perhaps the year. With Carlos Alcaraz and clay-court contenders Arthur Fils and Lorenzo Musetti out with injuries, Sinner’s exit leaves Roland Garros wide open. Novak Djokovic, who hopes to win his 25th Grand Slam title, advanced to the third round.With the Sincaraz roadblock gone, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud, both three-time Major finalists, have to feel better about their chances. If Zve...