Australian Open 2026: Sinner Battles Heat To Book Fourth Round Spot In Melbourne

Limping and desperately trying to stretch out cramps in his arms and legs, Jannik Sinner had just gone down a break in the third set when the extreme heat rules saved him. Play was suspended for eight minutes while the roof was closed on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday afternoon, and the two-time defending Australian Open champion returned a revitalized man. After seemingly being on the verge of an unlikely exit — one of his coaches, Darren Cahill, was urging the 24-year-old Italian just to stick it out for a few more games — Sinner won five of the next six games to take the set against No. 85-ranked Eliot Spizzirri.

Updated on: 24 January 2026 5:28 pm

Jannik Sinner vs Eliot Spizzirri Australian Open Tennis-1

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after defeating Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

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Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. waves as he leaves the court following his third round loss to Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

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Jannik Sinner, left, of Italy walks from the court with Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. after winning their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

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Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

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Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

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Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

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Jannik Sinner of Italy receives treatment from trainers during his third round match against Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S.at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

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Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara