Sinner showed signs of exhaustion mid-second set on Center Court at the Foro Italico complex. The world number one vomited in a corner of the court, then sat on his bench appearing to have stomach pain, his hands shaking, and profusely sweating. During some movements, Sinner limped with difficulty.

Sinner during his match against Medvedev on Center Court at the Foro Italico complex in Rome, Italy on 15/5. *Reuters*

Medvedev capitalized on his opponent's decline to win the second set 7-5. Afterward, Sinner experienced cramps and requested assistance from a physical therapist, even though rules do not typically consider cramps a standard injury. Consequently, Medvedev reacted to the chair umpire for allowing Sinner to address the issue.

In the third set, Sinner broke Medvedev's serve in the third game. With the score at 6-2, 5-7, 4-2, rain caused the match to be suspended until 20h tonight, 16/5 (Hanoi time).

This is not the first time Sinner has faced significant physical problems. At the Australia Open 2025, the Italian player also experienced hand tremors due to a virus. And at last year's Shanghai Masters, the hot, dry weather also caused Sinner to become exhausted and withdraw against Tallon Griekspoor in the third round.

Sinner's condition has raised concerns that he has reached his physical limit after competing in all three Masters 1000 clay-court tournaments this season. After the event in Rome, Sinner will have little time to recover as Roland Garros begins on 24/5, which is only about one week away.

Sinner currently leads this season with 34 wins, securing four Masters titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. Specifically on clay, the four-time Grand Slam champion has won 15 consecutive matches. The Rome Masters is the only ATP 1000 title Sinner has yet to win in his career.

Vy Anh