Australian Open: Jannik Sinner defeats Eliot Spizzirri in four sets following controversial stoppage Ian Casselberry January 24, 2026 at 5:44 AM 0 Jannik Sinner of Italy receives treatment after suffering from cramps in 100degree heat during his third round match against Eliot Spizzirri at the Australian Open on Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) () No. 2 seed Jannik Sinner battled tripledigit heat in Melbourne and a strong effort from unseeded American Eliot Spizzirri to fight through a fourset win in the third round of the Australian Open. Sinner prevailed 46, 63, 64, 64.
- - Australian Open: Jannik Sinner defeats Eliot Spizzirri in four sets following controversial stoppage
Ian Casselberry January 24, 2026 at 5:44 AM
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Jannik Sinner of Italy receives treatment after suffering from cramps in 100-degree heat during his third round match against Eliot Spizzirri at the Australian Open on Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) ()
No. 2 seed Jannik Sinner battled triple-digit heat in Melbourne and a strong effort from unseeded American Eliot Spizzirri to fight through a four-set win in the third round of the Australian Open. Sinner prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
The result came under controversial circumstances with officials deciding to suspend play for 10 minutes early in the third set with Sinner behind 2-1 because of the heat index reaching 5.0, which required the open roof to then be closed at Rod Laver Arena. Prior to the stoppage, Sinner struggled with cramps in both legs that required him to receive courtside treatment.
After losing the first set 6-4 and falling behind in the third set, briefly suspending the match to give Sinner a break compelled many fans to complain that the two-time Australian Open champion was receiving favorable treatment from officials. When the match was halted, Sinner was clearly having difficulty with his legs and losing to Spizzirri.
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The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 5.0. Play is suspended for all matches and practice on outside courts. The roofs on RLA, MCA and JCA will close and remain closed for the remainder of the match. If onsite, please seek shade and apply cooling strategies.
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Sinner looked refreshed following the break, though he still struggled to regain strength in his legs when play resumed. Spizzirri arguably lost the momentum he had when he was pressing his advantage before the match was suspended.
Upon returning, Sinner slowed the pace of the match down while he got his legs back. Spizzirri soon lost control of a set — and match — that appeared to be his and could not hold serve. That allowed the defending Australian Open champion to rally and win the third set 6-4.
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Despite seemingly losing his advantage, Spizzirri continued applying pressure in the fourth set and attempted to get Sinner moving cross-court on his sore legs. He quickly took a 3-1 lead while Sinner limped off his cramps between points.
However, Sinner battled back and eventually broke Spizzirri's serve to go ahead 4-3. By that point, those leg cramps appeared to be an afterthought and Sinner seemed determined not to let the match go to a fifth set, which Spizzirri might have won. (The 24-year-old is 1-0 in five-set matches during his career.)
During his post-match interview, Sinner explained that he wasn't only experiencing cramps in his legs but also in his arms as the match progressed.
"I struggled physically a bit today. We saw this," Sinner said. "I got lucky with the heat rule and they closed the roof. I took my time and as the time passed, I felt better and better, and I'm very happy about this performance. Looking back in every big tournament, I've had some really tough matches. Hopefully, this can give me some positives for the next round."
Sinner will face No. 22 seed Luciano Darderi in the Round of 16 as he continues his pursuit of a third consecutive Australian Open title.
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: January 24, 2026 at 11:27AM on Source: RED MAG
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