Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round after a dramatic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Eliot Spizzirri. The Italian battled intense cramps in soaring 36°C temperatures, visibly struggling before a heat-related stoppage closed the Rod Laver Arena roof.
The pause allowed Sinner to recover, break back in the third set, and eventually secure the win, triggering widespread debate among fans and analysts. Critics argued the intervention unfairly disrupted Spizzirri’s momentum, while tournament officials defended the call as compliant with the heat stress scale regulations.
Sinner admitted the stoppage aided his comeback but emphasized mental resilience and preparation. He will next face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the quarter-finals, as discussions around the fairness of the heat-rule intervention continue to dominate headlines.
