Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner stood on the precipice of one of the greatest upsets in modern tennis history on Saturday afternoon. Battling debilitating, full-body cramps in 36°C heat, the Italian was trailing American underdog Eliot Spizzirri in the third set when a literal "act of God" (or rather, tournament officials) intervened.
As the Australian Open Heat Stress Scale hit the maximum level of 5, play was suspended to close the roof on Rod Laver Arena. The 10-minute reprieve allowed Sinner to reset, recover, and eventually secure a gruelling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory to reach the fourth round.
Eliot Spizzirri, the 24-year-old former University of Texas star ranked No. 85, played the match of his life. Competing in his first-ever Australian Open main draw, he went "blow for blow" with the World No. 2, showing zero nerves in the face of a four-time major champion.
Set 1: Sinner unraveled in the suffocating humidity, allowing Spizzirri to snatch the opener 6-4.
The physical collapse: By the third set, Sinner was visibly hobbling. Cramps that started in his legs migrated to his arms, leaving him unable to push up for serves.
The break point: Spizzirri broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set. Sinner looked finished.
I struggled physically today. I got lucky with the heat rule. As the time passed, I felt better and better. This is an area I know I need to improve
Jannik Sinner
At the exact moment Sinner appeared unable to continue, the tournament's extreme heat policy triggered a suspension.
Play halted: Matches on outside courts were stopped for three hours.
Roof closure: Rod Laver Arena transitioned to an indoor, climate-controlled environment.
The recovery: Sinner used the 10-minute break to seek treatment. When play resumed, the temperature on court dropped to approximately 26°C.
Sinner returned a "revitalized man," winning five of the next six games to steal the third set and break Spizzirri’s momentum.
Sinner was just one part of a historic Saturday for Italian tennis.
Luciano Darderi: Pulled off a major upset against No. 15 Karen Khachanov (7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4) to set up a fourth-round clash against Sinner.
Lorenzo Musetti: Survived a 4-hour, 27-minute marathon against Tomas Machac to reach his first Australian Open round of 16.
