Tennis legend Andre Agassi has sharply criticized Jannik Sinner's second-round exit from Roland-Garros 2026, stating there was "no excuse" for the top seed's rapid physical decline. Speaking on TNT Sports, Agassi specifically highlighted the timing of Sinner's collapse, remarking, > "There’s no excuse for him to run into a wall at 1 hour 45." His comments follow Sinner's surprising defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Sinner, who entered the tournament as the heavy favorite and top seed, suffered a stunning loss to the unseeded Argentine. The Italian had initially taken a commanding two-set lead and was serving at 5-1 in the third set before his performance drastically deteriorated. He ultimately lost 18 of the final 20 games, leading to questions about his physical readiness for Grand Slam intensity.
Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, emphasized the distinction between being physically fit and being adequately prepared for specific conditions. He acknowledged Sinner's proven ability to play extended matches, noting, "I know he can play for five and half hours, he's proven it. I know he's the best player on the planet right now." However, Agassi suggested a fundamental flaw in Sinner's preparation, particularly concerning hydration and managing heat, despite the resources available to elite athletes.
This is not the first instance of Sinner struggling with physical issues during major tournaments, having faced similar challenges with heat and stamina in previous Grand Slams, including a prior Roland-Garros final and the Australian Open. The pointed nature of Agassi's critique is further amplified by the fact that Sinner is coached by Darren Cahill, who famously coached Agassi himself to multiple Grand Slam titles.
Agassi's outspoken assessment is expected to ignite further debate around Sinner's early departure from Paris and his team's strategy. The tennis world will now be watching closely to see how Sinner and his coaching staff address these concerns as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
