Italian tennis legend Paolo Bertolucci has one wish for 2026 and that's to see Jannik Sinner win the French Open so the public can stop talking about an Italian male not winning at Roland Garros for 50 years.
In 1976, another Italian tennis legend Adriano Panatta beat Harold Solomon in four sets to win the French Open. That was his first and lone Grand Slam title.
While Sinner has won four Grand Slams since 2024, he has yet to triumph at Roland Garros. However, the world No. 2 came inches away from achieving the feat this year, but fell just short after stunningly blowing three consecutive championship points and losing to Carlos Alcaraz from two sets up in the final.
ADVERTISEMENT
I hope Jannik wins Paris. Theyve been dragging us around for 50 years with this Panatta being the last finalist! Well, it looks like who knows what the hell youve done, with that s physique! former six-time ATP champion Bertolucci told Corriere dello Sport.
What Sinner said after his painful French Open final loss?
After opening a two-set lead in the final, Sinner dropped the third set, but bounced back by opening a 5-3 fourth-set lead and had three consecutive match points on Alcaraz's serve. That's when one of the greatest comebacks in Grand Slam finals history started as the Spaniard stormed back to win 4-6 6-7 (4) 6-4 7-6 (3) 7-6 (2).
Needless to say, the Italian was absolutely heartbroken and devastated.
"Obviously this one hurts. [There is] not so much to talk right now," the world No. 2 admitted in his post-final loss press conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
A week later, Sinner admitted to having "sleepless nights."
"But yes, I've already had a few sleepless nights, but I think every day it gets better," the 24-year-old said at the time.
Unless something unexpected happens, the top-ranked Italian male tennis player will once again enter the French Open as a top favorite for the title.
