Stacy Boit,

Not too long ago there were accusations that the men’s singles at Grand Slams were becoming a predictable two-horse race.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz had swept the previous nine Grand Slams between them, going head-to-head in three of those finals.

When Alcaraz pulled out of the French Open with a wrist injury, it was expected to make for a tournament that lacked jeopardy, because who could stop Sinner?

It felt as though the sweltering conditions in Paris could be the Italian top seed’s biggest obstacle – and the 24-year-old wilted in the heat on Thursday.

Sinner battled illness as Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo – who deserves great credit for remaining calm – took advantage to win their second-round match 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1.

Once again it showed nothing can ever be taken for granted in sport. And it has blown open a draw in which a larger number of players will feel their chances of lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires have increased.

Sinner’s elimination feels like a gift to the rest of the field – but the sense of opportunity is not without its challenges.