Jannik Sinner battles exhaustion, heat rule to avoid Australian Open upset

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While large swaths of the U.S. faced ice and snow this weekend, tennis stars in Australia battled extreme heat.

The conditions took a noticeable toll on Italian Jannik Sinner, who tried to stretch through apparent cramps and needed the assistance of an air-conditioning tube during the third round of men’s singles at the Australian Open.

Nearly 100-degree temperatures in the third set appeared to spark Sinner’s cramping issues. Sinner struggled to deliver a high-velocity serve in the third set, with one attempt registering just 69 mph. Sinner’s opponent, American Eliot Spizzirri, led 2-1 in the set.

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Jannik Sinner of Italy in action against Eliot Spizzirri of United States in the third round of the men's singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park on Jan. 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. (Mike Frey/Imagn Images)

However, the tournament's two-time defending champion was likely aware that a much-needed respite was on the horizon considering the Australian Open’s Heat Stress Scale. The scale takes multiple factors into account, including the temperature, radiant heat (or the strength of the sun), humidity and wind speed. 

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When rules permitted, players were instructed to exit the court while the Rod Laver Arena roof was closed. Despite Spizzirri’s visible frustration with the timing of the break, tournament rules required that play be suspended at even games when heat thresholds are exceeded. After the stoppage, Sinner returned and looked revitalized.

Jannik Sinner of Italy