Jannik Sinner's pursuit of a third consecutive Australian Open crown was rescued by tournament officials yesterday after the defending champion found himself on the brink of a stunning exit against world number 85 Eliot Spizzirri.
The Italian prevailed 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4, though his victory sparked immediate controversy.
With Sinner visibly cramping and trailing in the third set, organisers invoked the heat rule, suspending play and closing the Rod Laver Arena roof.
The intervention allowed the world number one to recover and mount a comeback, prompting fierce criticism from supporters who flooded social media with accusations that the match had been decided by officials rather than on court.
Jannik Sinner admitted he was 'so lucky' after Australian Open organisers enacted the heat rule at a time when he was struggling
|REUTERS
Sinner's physical deterioration was plain for all to witness at Melbourne Park.
The 23-year-old had surrendered the opening set after Spizzirri fought back from 4-2 down, ending the Italian's remarkable streak of twelve consecutive matches without dropping a set.
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As temperatures soared beyond 36°C, the world number one was reduced to hobbling between points.
He repeatedly summoned medical assistance as cramps spread throughout his body.
"It started with the leg and then it got into the arms so I was cramping a bit all over," Sinner explained afterwards.
Jannik Sinner repeatedly called for medical assistance after cramping up
|REUTERS
When officials halted proceedings, Spizzirri held a 3-1 advantage in the third set and appeared poised for a career-defining upset.
Sinner made no attempt to disguise the fortune that had befallen him.
"I got lucky with the heat rule, I know they closed the roof," he acknowledged.
The ten-minute respite proved transformative.
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"I took my time, as the time passed I felt better and better," the Italian revealed.
Upon returning to court, Sinner moved with renewed freedom, immediately breaking back and seizing control of the contest.
He emphasised the psychological dimension of his recovery: "At the end of the day tennis is a very mental game. I try to stay as calm as possible."
The defending champion also conceded this represented an area requiring improvement in his conditioning.
The backlash on social media proved swift and unforgiving.
Supporters accused tournament organisers of effectively handing Sinner a lifeline at the precise moment Spizzirri had seized the initiative.
Many argued the American's momentum had been unjustly stripped away by the intervention.
Officials defended their decision, confirming the heat stress scale had exceeded the 5.0 threshold that mandates either suspension or roof closure under Australian Open regulations.
On a day when nearly 100,000 spectators were warned to take precautions against the heat, ball kids resorted to placing their hands on their feet rather than the scorching court surface.
Sinner now faces compatriot Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.