Sports
Sinner Battles Heat and Cramp to Reach Australian Open Fourth Round
Jannik Sinner survived a severe physical test and extreme heat to book his place in the
fourth round of the Australian Open, edging American Eliot Spizzirri 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 on
Saturday.
The defending champion dropped his first set since October and was visibly struggling
with cramp, at one point limping to his players’ box in clear distress. Trailing 3-1 in the
third set after being broken, Sinner was handed a lifeline when the tournament’s
extreme heat policy was activated, allowing the Rod Laver Arena roof to close.
The interruption proved decisive. Once play resumed, the Italian found renewed energy,
breaking Spizzirri twice to claim the third set before sealing victory with another break in
the seventh game of the fourth.
“I struggled physically a bit today,” Sinner said. “I got lucky with the heat rule. As the
time passed, I felt better and better.”
The 24-year-old admitted cramp affected his legs and arms but praised his mental
resilience as he cut short his on-court interview to begin recovery.
Sinner will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi next as he continues his bid for a third
consecutive title in Melbourne.
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