Heat break sparks debate after he beats Eliot Spizzirri – Firstpost

Defending champion Jannik Sinner survived a tough test at the Australian Open on Saturday as he defeated American Eliot Spizzirri 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the fourth round at Rod Laver Arena. While Sinner showed great fight, the match later became controversial because of a heat-related roof closure that many fans felt changed the momentum of the game.

The match was played in extreme Melbourne heat, with temperatures crossing 36°C at the time of the match. Sinner struggled badly in the third set and was clearly suffering from cramps. He was slow between points and found it difficult to move and serve. At that stage, Spizzirri was leading 3-1 in the third set and looked in control of the game.

With the Heat Stress Scale reaching level five, officials decided to suspend play and close the roof at Rod Laver Arena. After a short break of less than 10 minutes, play resumed in cooler conditions, which proved to be a turning point in the match. Sinner returned looking much better and broke back immediately. He went on to win the third set and then carried that momentum into the fourth set and eventually sealed a hard-fought victory in three hours and 45 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Sinner admitted that the heat and cramps troubled him. He said the break helped him loosen up and adjust his game. He also said his experience helped him handle the situation better and survive a very difficult match.

“It was hot today. Started to cramp a little bit in the third set, which then after time it went slowly away. I know my body slightly better now with a bit of experience also, trying to handle certain situations a bit better. Got lucky today. At the point when they closed the roof, it takes a little bit time. Tried to loosen up a little bit. It helped. Changed a bit also the way of how to play certain points. That helped me today, for sure,” Sinner said.

For Spizzirri, the match was still a big achievement. The former college tennis player was playing in the Australian Open main draw for the first time and was facing a top-10 opponent for the first time in his career. He showed no fear for most of the match and went toe-to-toe with the world number one from the very beginning.

Fans slam Aus Open for allegedly favouring Sinner 

However, the heat break did not go down well with many fans. Social media was flooded with criticism, with several people claiming the stoppage helped Sinner recover at a crucial moment. Many felt Spizzirri lost his momentum due to the break after dominating the third set before play was stopped.

Tennis is the most corrupted sport in the world I’ve never seen anything like this

Sinner was 100% going to lose or retire he was outplayed by Spizzirri and started cramping, they immediately stopped the match as soon as he got break down in the third set

This is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/tiMUyOPXh6

— Jannik Sinner is a liar (@SinnerIsACheat) January 24, 2026

This was the moment the Australian Open closed the roof.

Jannik Sinner couldn’t walk or serve and was on the verge of retirement.

Once the roof closed and they turned on air conditioning, he got fixed and the match was over.

Was this fair? I say no.pic.twitter.com/Q6lIDQ9YE8

— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 24, 2026

There has never been a player more protected than Jannik Sinner. I honestly don’t understand what he did to deserve the treatment he gets from the ATP

— John (@Horizontwo1John) January 24, 2026

Let’s be real: Jannik Sinner did not win this match.

The Australian Open won it for him by closing the roof.

A brilliant tactical victory by the Australian Open. Well done.pic.twitter.com/Umasg6E9lN

— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 24, 2026

Sinner will now face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the fourth round. Darderi earlier defeated Karen Khachanov to reach the last 16 for the first time at the Australian Open.