Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters has raised concerns about Jannik Sinner's physical state following his unexpected loss at the French Open. The world number one was leading 5-1 in the third set against Juan Manuel Cerundolo before his performance collapsed.
Clijsters spoke on her podcast Love All about the match that ended with a score of 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. She described seeing Sinner grab his left upper leg and questioned whether cramps or a muscle tear had occurred. Sinner attributed his struggles to feeling ill from lack of sleep the night before the match. Clijsters also pointed to anxiety as a possible contributing factor, referencing a similar incident in Rome against Daniil Medvedev. Former players offered differing views. Venus Williams praised Sinner for completing the match despite his condition, while Andre Agassi suggested that a match lasting under two hours should not have caused such issues for the top-ranked player. Sinner is scheduled to defend his title at Wimbledon next.
