ATP Tour
Sinner’s title defence in jeopardy against Spizzirri; Roof closed due to extreme heat
Match tied at one set each, Spizzirri up a break in the third
January 24, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Jannik Sinner is pursuing his third consecutive Australian Open title.
By ATP Staff
Jannik Sinner has won back-to-back Australian Open titles, but his pursuit of a third straight trophy is in jeopardy.
Eliot Spizzirri leads the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings 6-4, 3-6, 3-1, with play suspended at about 2:35 p.m. local time due to the tournament’s heat rule in order to close the roof. Play resumed less than 10 minutes later.
The suspension of play came at a critical moment for Sinner, who was seemingly struggling with cramp. At 2-1 in the third set Sinner began flexing his left arm, showing discomfort. He then began struggling with his legs, getting no push-off on his serve.
Spizzirri is competing in the third round of a major for the first time and had never previously played in the Australian Open main draw. This is his first match against a Top-10 opponent.
Sinner has made 37 unforced errors through two-and-a-half sets, while Spizzirri has largely avoided beating himself, making just 13 unforced errors as of the suspension according to Infosys Stats.
