Sinner battled leg cramps and received courtside treatment while falling behind in the third set versus Spizziri.
No. 2 seed Jannik Sinner battled triple-digit heat in Melbourne and a strong effort from unseeded Eliot Spizziri to fight through a four-set win at Day 7 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. 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 was losing to Spizziri.
Sinner appeared refreshed following the break, though he still struggled to regain strength in his legs when play resumed. Spizziri arguably lost the momentum he had when he was pressing his advantage before the match was suspended.
The defending Australian Open champion went on to rally and win the third set 6-4.
The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 5.0.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2026
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.
This story will be updated.
Category: General Sports
