France, May 28 -- Sinner's shock exit came after the Italian faded badly in the Paris heat during a five-set defeat to world number 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo on centre court.

The 24-year-old had been the overwhelming favourite for the clay-court Grand Slam after winning Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, and arrived in Paris on a 30-match winning streak dating back to the Qatar Open in February.

But after cruising through the opening two sets, Sinner let slip two chances to close out the match in the third set while leading 5-2 and 5-4. Cerundolo eventually completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. Heat struggle

As temperatures climbed from 29C to 32C, Sinner began to wilt on the red clay.

The It...