Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open title defence was pushed to the brink, but the World No. 2 dug deep to defeat American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on January 24.
Sinner’s resilience was tested most severely midway through the match. After splitting the opening two sets, Spizzirri surged ahead 3–1 in the third as Sinner began to visibly struggle with cramping, his movement and service motion clearly compromised in the oppressive Melbourne heat. With the Heat Stress Scale reaching Level 5, officials intervened and ordered the roof closed, triggering a temporary suspension of play.
The short interruption proved pivotal. When play resumed after less than 10 minutes, Sinner looked revitalised. Drawing on his experience and composure, the four-time major champion steadied himself, clawed back the third set, and ultimately completed the victory after three hours and 45 minutes of attritional tennis. For Spizzirri, the match represented a breakthrough moment despite the loss. Playing in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, and making his Australian Open main-draw debut, the American showed no hint of intimidation against a Top 10 opponent. He matched Sinner stroke for stroke from the baseline for long stretches, striking freely and taking the fight to the defending champion. Statistically, the contest was messy and demanding. The first three sets alone lasted nearly three hours, with Sinner committing 46 unforced errors. The decisive margin came on break points: Sinner converted eight of 11 opportunities, while Spizzirri managed just six of 16, including only one from six chances in the third set, a missed opening that allowed Sinner to wrest back control while battling physical distress.
