Italy's tennis contingent at Roland Garros faced a challenging second round, with Jasmine Paolini, Lorenzo Sonego, and Federico Cinà all eliminated from the Paris clay while Jannik Sinner advances to face Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerúndolo under record-breaking heat conditions.
Why This Matters
• Paolini's injury exit: Last year's finalist withdrew due to a persistent foot injury affecting her movement—raising concerns about her grass-court season.
• Sinner advances: The world No. 1 will play his second-round match against Cerúndolo at midday on May 28 in temperatures exceeding 30°C.
• Extreme heat impacts tournament: Temperatures have exceeded 30°C across multiple days, affecting player performance and forcing match adjustments.
Paolini's Painful Exit Due to Foot Injury
Jasmine Paolini's Roland Garros campaign ended with visible distress—tears streaming as she withdrew with a foot injury during her match against Argentina's Solana Sierra, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The Tuscan had already withdrawn from doubles to manage the persistent foot problem.
"I've been struggling with this foot since Rome," Paolini admitted in her post-match statement. "I'm not at 100%. I did my best, but it's hard to accept."
Paolini's movement deteriorated noticeably during the second and third sets. The injury now threatens her preparation for Wimbledon, where grass courts demand explosive lateral movement. The setback follows her strong 2024 season when she reached the Wimbledon semifinal and climbed to No. 4 in the rankings.
Sonego and Cinà Ousted in Straight Sets
Lorenzo Sonego, ranked No. 70, fell 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to American Tommy Paul (No. 21). 19-year-old Federico Cinà from Palermo, competing in his first Grand Slam main draw, was defeated 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 by Dutch player Jesper De Jong.
On a positive note, Sara Errani advanced in women's doubles with her Austrian partner Lilli Tagger, defeating Americans Sofia Kenin and Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-2.
Djokovic Survives Marathon in Heat
Novak Djokovic required 3 hours and 28 minutes to defeat France's Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(9), 6-3, visibly struggling in the sweltering conditions at 32°C. The Serbian champion squandered a match point in the third-set tiebreak and will face Brazil's João Fonseca next.
Djokovic has been candid about his physical challenges this season, having missed several tournaments due to injury. "I don't remember the last time I approached a tournament without physical or health issues," he said earlier in the week.
Other Notable Advances
Germany's Alexander Zverev, the No. 3 seed, dispatched Czech Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in under two hours. Casper Ruud defeated Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, while Andrey Rublev survived a tougher test against Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).
Heat Conditions Affect Tournament
The extreme heat—temperatures reaching 31°C to 34°C—has impacted match play and player performance. Tournament officials have implemented adjustments including more frequent ball kid rotations and strategic scheduling of evening sessions. Players have used ice packs and cold towels to manage conditions.
Sinner Faces Continued Challenge
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, prepares for his second-round match against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo scheduled for midday on May 28 with temperatures forecast near 33°C. Sinner has reportedly timed his practice sessions during the hottest hours of the day to acclimatize to conditions. With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn due to injury, Sinner remains a strong contender for the title.
