Andre Agassi blames Jannik Sinner’s preparation for French Open exit
Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has criticised Jannik Sinner’s preparation after the tournament favourite suffered a shock second-round defeat at the French Open due to heat exhaustion.
The Italian arrived in Paris on a 30-match winning streak but collapsed physically during his match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Despite leading 6-3 6-2 5-1, the recent clay-court conqueror began suffering from dizziness and severe cramping as temperatures soared to 32 degrees.
He subsequently lost 15 consecutive points, allowing the Argentine to complete an astonishing 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 comeback victory.
Agassi questions preparation over fitness
Speaking on TNT Sports, Agassi insisted there was “no excuse” for the overwhelming favourite to hit a physical wall so early in the contest.
“There’s a difference between being fit and being prepared. I have to point at a flaw in that kind of preparation, because there’s something you can do about that.”
The American tennis legend noted that while his younger counterpart works exceptionally hard, struggling after just one hour and 45 minutes indicates a specific failure in heat management.
Agassi specifically highlighted potential hydration issues, suggesting the player needs to seriously review his fluid intake protocols.
“Before I went out there in Australia and played three out of five in hot conditions, I’m doing 10, 12 litres of water, you have to force it. It’s better to have it in you and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
History of heat-related struggles
This latest collapse continues a worrying trend for the former Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome champion when competing in extreme temperatures.
He previously experienced significant physical difficulties against Eliot Spizzirri at the Australian Open earlier this year, before a timely roof closure allowed him to recover.
The Roland Garros exit is particularly bitter given his imperious form heading into the Parisian major.
Many pundits had tipped him to avenge his five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final, especially with the Spaniard absent from this year’s draw.