Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Sinner Overcomes Heat and Cramping to Advance in Australian Open

1/25/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sinner Overcomes Adversity

In the 2026 Australian Open third round, Jannik Sinner battled severe cramps in extreme heat and lost the first set 4-6 to Eliot Spizzirri.
The heat rule paused play and closed the Rod Laver Arena roof, enabling him to recover.
Sinner recovered to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
He will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.

Summary

Sinner Triumphs in Heat

Extreme heat on January 24, 2026 led to matches being suspended as the Australian Open reached the highest level on the Extreme Heat Scale.
Jannik Sinner benefited from the roof closure at Rod Laver Arena and recovered to defeat Eliot Spizzirri 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Attendance reached 51,048, about 10,000 fewer than the previous day, with forecasts predicting temperatures up to 43°C.

1 of 2

Sinner Overcomes Adversity

In the 2026 Australian Open third round, Jannik Sinner battled severe cramps in extreme heat and lost the first set 4-6 to Eliot Spizzirri.
The heat rule paused play and closed the Rod Laver Arena roof, enabling him to recover.
Sinner recovered to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
He will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.

1 / 2