‘Superman Hit by Kryptonite’ – John McEnroe Analyzes Jannik Sinner’s ‘Horrible’ Exit As Fellow Italians Thrive in Paris

The 2026 French Open will feature its final quarterfinal matches today, and none of the tennis Grand Slam champions have made it. After Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to a lingering injury, an unwell Jannik Sinner lost early, and 39-year-old Novak Djokovic was defeated by 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, creating a massive void in the draw. And to John McEnroe’s surprise, Sinner’s compatriots are making history with deep runs in the tournament.

John McEnroe Breaks Down Jannik Sinner’s French Open Nightmare as Italy’s Berrettini, Arnaldi, and Cobolli Shine

Sinner’s second-round defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo after a physical collapse caused by cramps and dizziness was a highly unexpected one in the tournament’s history. But a surprising trio of his compatriots, Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Arnaldi, and Matteo Berrettini, have surged into the quarterfinals. Former pro and legend McEnroe recently weighed in on what happened to Sinner and the Italian renaissance taking over the Parisian clay.

Sinner was looking for an easy victory, fresh off a historic sweep of all five Masters 1000 titles this season. However, the exhaustion and the brutal 90-degree heatwave in Paris derailed him. In a recent interview with La Stampa, McEnroe empathized with Sinner.

“It’s like Superman has been hit by kryptonite; it’s no fun to play in that state,” McEnroe said. “I was lucky enough not to suffer from cramps, at least when I played: now it happens to me all the time, and it’s a terrible feeling.”

“One more game and today we’d be talking about him. Sometimes you lose, and it’s not your opponent’s fault, and that’s a horrible thing, in any sport,” said the former world No. 1.

About the Italians who surprised everyone, the American said, “I wouldn’t have expected the Italians to still be here. On the other hand, Cobolli is the second-highest seed in that part of the draw; he’s a guy who knows what he’s doing. He’s a great athlete,” McEnroe noted.

Alongside Cobolli, 25-year-old Arnaldi has been an absolute revelation, too, edging past higher-ranked Frances Tiafoe and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

MORE: Flavio Cobolli vs Félix Auger-Aliassime Preview: Head-to-Head, Prediction for French Open 2026

Yet, perhaps the most inspiring storyline of the tournament belongs to Berrettini. After a string of physical injuries over the past few years, the former Wimbledon finalist seems to have rediscovered his form on clay.

“Then I love Berrettini, seeing him come back after everything he’s been through.” McEnroe added.

Looking ahead to the next stage, Cobolli will play his quarterfinal match on Wednesday against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Meanwhile, Berrettini and Arnaldi will meet later in the night session.