Sinner survives Spizzirri challenge in Melbourne heat

Jannik Sinner defeated Eliot Spizzirri 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 in the Australian Open third round. The defending champion struggled physically as temperatures approached thirty-nine degrees, and the Rod Laver Arena roof was closed under the tournament’s heat policy.

Spizzirri took the opening set and led 3–1 in the third before a ten-minute interruption accompanying the closure. Sinner used the break to stretch, rest and lower his body temperature. He said he received no treatment during that interval away from court.

Another heat-policy break followed the third set, and Sinner’s serve helped settle the fourth. The Italian acknowledged that the timing assisted him, while praising Spizzirri’s performance. The American accepted the rules and credited his opponent’s experience in managing the difficult conditions.