Jannik Sinner had to go through a nightmare during his third-round match at the Australian Open.
The world number 2 should not have had any particular issues beating Eliot Spizzirri and qualifying for the round of 16 at Melbourne Park, where he is unbeaten in 17 matches in a row (having won the last two editions of this tournament).
However, the extreme temperatures caused the Italian ace to cramp and the specter of retirement seemed very real at one point. The 24-year-old from Sesto Pusteria struggled to move at the beginning of the third set and the situation seemed almost compromised after the break obtained by the American, with Jannik who had turned towards his box stating that he did not know what to do.
Just then, the chair umpire announced the suspension of the match due to extreme weather conditions and the former world number 1 had ten minutes to improve his situation.
Sinner had to go through a nightmare
When the clash resumed, the defending champion was not at the top of his shape yet, but he had recovered some brilliance and was able to win the match. In his press conference, the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted that the regulations helped him in this circumstance and congratulated his rival (who put in a high-level performance).
Speaking to 'ESPN', American legend John McEnroe was very harsh when asked to comment on this situation. The former world No.1 claimed that Sinner received favorable treatment that would not be applied to other players.
"No one wants to see something like this in our sport, but I think it is undeniable that there has been favoritism. I doubt that – if Spizzirri had been in the same situation as Jannik – the match would have been stopped" – said McEnroe.
The number 2 seed will be able to continue his tournament and will face his compatriot Luciano Darderi for a place in the quarterfinals. This match will be staged on the Margaret Court Arena and the former world number 1 is the clear favorite.
