Sinner battles through cramps to beat surviving Spitzri in one set at Australian Open | ATP Tour
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Sinner fights through cramps to beat surviving Spitzer in one set at Australian Open
The world No. 2 comes back from a break point deficit in the third set
January 24, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Jannik Sinner is chasing his third consecutive Australian Open title.
Written by ATP Staff
Jannik Sinner has won back-to-back Australian Open titles but faces a tough test in Melbourne on Saturday.
The PIF ATP No. 2 holds a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 lead over American Eliot Spizzirri after a dramatic third set. Spitzri led 3-1 in the third set while Sinner struggled with cramps and could barely serve or move. But at around 2:35 pm local time, play was suspended to close the Rod Laver Arena roof due to the event’s warm-up rules.
Play resumed less than 10 minutes later but the break proved crucial. Sinner was able to rally and find a way to put the pressure back on Spizzirri through the set.
The former college tennis star at the University of Texas is playing in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time and has never played in the main draw of the Australian Open before. This was his first time against a top-10 opponent.
According to Infosys Stats, the first three sets took 2 hours and 54 minutes, and Sinner made 46 unforced errors. But the biggest difference came on the break point.
Spitzri converted just five of 14 break points, while Sinner won six of nine break points. Spitzri was one of just six in the third set, which helped Sinner overcome cramps and regain the advantage.
After the third set, due to the warm-up rules of the game, the players were given a 10-minute rest period.
