Match involving Jannik Sinner temporarily suspended due to heat rule

Field Level Media|published: 01/23/2026, 11:12pm EST

Jan 20, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Jannik Sinner of Italy after his match against Hugo Gaston of France in the first round of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

The third-round match between World No. 2 Jannik Sinner and Eliot Spizzirri was suspended for about 10 minutes in the middle of the third set due to the extreme heat policy of the Australian Open.

The temperature has reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Melbourne.

The match is being held in Rod Laver Arena. The chair umpire made the announcement of the suspension, the players left the court and the roof was closed.

The timing was terrible for the heavy underdog Spizzirri. He was leading 6-4, 3-6, 3-1 and Sinner was experiencing debilitating cramps in his left arm and legs.

When play resumed, Sinner broke Spizzirri and the set was back on serve.

--Field Level Media