The biggest favourite since Rafael Nadal in 2009, Jannik Sinner lost in a shocking comeback effort by Juan Manuel Cerundolo only in the second round.
The details of this match you already know.
But this loss will remain in the history books, and the complete absence of a serious second best player, with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury, means that whoever wins, we will always note the context of the utterly unexpected Sinner ousting, and that so early in the tournament.
It's not an asterisk, though: it's more so a triggering event to one of the most chaotic Grand Slam tournaments of all time, with records being broken on time on court and five-set matches played. The tournament, which started in sleepy fashion and with Jannik Sinner's name half written in the trophy, became a free-for-all bloodbath where anyone suddenly saw themselves as the winner.
Great entertainment all around, as Alexander Zverev lurks in the shadows, quietly and effectively making his way to a potential first major title, now without the impenetrable barrier of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinnner. It could be his last chance.
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