What did Tim Henman mean by ‘so strange’? The hidden reason behind Sinner’s stunning upset

Tim Henman weighs in after Sinner’s early exit

Henman, speaking on TNT Sports, reflected on the match: “It was so strange. The first two sets were some good tennis but an hour and a half.”

“By the time he was up 5-1 in the third, I don’t know exactly, but it can’t be much more than two hours,” he said.

He added: “Yes, it’s hot, but it’s not that hot. That’s what’s so surprising. When he was in total control, there was a problem.”

Cerundolo’s tactics also caught Henman’s eye. He said: “He used that moon ball to give himself time to make Sinner play again, and when he got the opportunities…

“…he was using that lefty forehand short cross, and you can tell by Sinner’s reaction he was out on his feet.”

First new Grand Slam winner since US Open confirmed

Sinner’s exit marks the end of his and Carlos Alcaraz’s hold on the Grand Slams, a stretch that started after Djokovic won the 2023 US Open.

Over the past nine majors, those two have been completely in control, but now that both are out of contention at Roland Garros, there’s a real chance for someone new to step up.

Alexander Zverev is now the highest seed left in the field, while Djokovic is also in with a shout as he continues his pursuit of a 25th major. He’ll face Joao Fonseca next.

Both players are in the bottom half of the draw, leaving what used to be Sinner’s section wide open for someone else to take advantage.