Aryna Sabalenka Shares Heartfelt Reaction to Jannik Sinner’s Stunning Roland Garros Defeat

Aryna Sabalenka admitted she was rooting hard for Jannik Sinner right until the final point of his shocking second-round loss at Roland Garros. The Belarusian called the world No. 1’s exit “sad” while expressing confidence he’ll return stronger on grass.

The top-seeded Belarusian, fresh off her own solid win, opened up about watching Sinner’s collapse against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, revealing the emotional toll it took even as she focused on her title chase in Paris. Sinner is expected to be back for Wimbledon. Sabalenka said in her press conference:

I felt so bad for him. I always cheer for Jannik, and to see him struggle like that was really painful to see. I was rooting til the very last moment. I was hoping for him to win. I wasn’t really thinking about my schedule. If I start later it’s okay for me. I was just worried he’s not gonna close the match. Sad for him but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come back even stronger. Time to do some recovery, some rest, and be ready for grass court for him. But sad to see him leaving that early.

This moment matters because it highlights the human side of elite tennis. While the men’s draw blew wide open with the favorite’s early departure, Sabalenka showed sportsmanship and genuine concern for a fellow top player. In a sport full of rivalries, her words cut through the noise, reminding fans that competitors often support each other behind the scenes, especially when one is clearly struggling.

Aryna Sabalenka on Jannik Sinner’s loss to Cerundolo at Roland Garros, ‘I was rooting for him til the very last moment… Sad for him but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come back even stronger’

“I felt so bad for him. I always cheer for Jannik, and to see him struggle like that was… pic.twitter.com/NioxrBSslB

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 28, 2026

Sabalenka shared her thoughts after advancing past French wild card Elsa Jacquemot. She described feeling “so bad” for Sinner as he battled visible discomfort in the heat on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The shocking upset that rocked Roland Garros

Jannik Sinner came into the 2026 French Open as the overwhelming favorite, riding a 30-match winning streak and fresh off dominating the clay season with titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome. Few expected drama so early. Yet on a warm May afternoon, the Italian led by two sets and 5-1 in the third against Cerundolo before dizziness and fatigue took over.

Cerundolo, ranked outside the top 50 and a clay-court specialist, staged a remarkable comeback, winning 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Sinner cited low energy and feeling dizzy, needing medical attention, as the match slipped away in temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Celsius. It marked the first time a world No. 1 lost in the first two rounds at Roland Garros since Andre Agassi in 2000.

For Sabalenka, who has battled her own physical and mental challenges in recent years, seeing a dominant player like Sinner falter hit close to home. Her comments weren’t just polite; they carried real emotion from someone who knows the grind of Grand Slams.

Aryna Sabalenka powers through her own French Open path

While Sinner’s exit dominated headlines, Aryna Sabalenka stayed businesslike on court. She overcame a tricky first set against home favorite Elsa Jacquemot, eventually winning 7-5, 6-2 to reach the third round. The victory keeps her in a strong position as one of the leading contenders alongside Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek.

Sabalenka has been vocal in the past about the physical demands of the clay season. Her ability to compartmentalize speaks to her growth as a player and person. Last year, she reached the final here before falling short, adding extra motivation this time around.

Her next opponent, Australia’s Daria Kasatkina, will present another stern test on the red dirt. Kasatkina’s crafty baseline game could pose problems, but Sabalenka’s powerful hitting has been clicking when it counts.

Sinner’s defeat leaves the men’s tournament without its top two seeds after Carlos Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal. Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and others suddenly see clearer paths, but it also raises questions about scheduling, heat management, and player welfare in Paris.

Also Read: Joao Fonseca Explains Difference Between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Before Blockbuster Roland Garros Clash with Serb