How did Sinner miraculously escape defeat at the 2026 Australian Open?

Jannik Sinner was extremely close to defeat in the third round of this year's Australian Open before an unexpected "lifeline" came his way.

On the seventh day of competition at the 2026 Australian Open, one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament unfolded as Jannik Sinner—the two-time defending champion— made a spectacular escape against world No. 85 Eliot Spizzirri to secure a place in the fourth round, keeping alive his hopes of winning a third title in Melbourne.

After relatively smooth progress in the first two rounds, Sinner suddenly faced a major challenge under intense heat. The match turned into a true battle as the two players were tied 1-1 after two sets. The turning point came in the third set, when the Italian player began showing signs of fatigue. Severe cramps started from his hands and spread to his legs, making movement difficult and forcing him at times to struggle to maintain balance.

Meanwhile, Spizzirri played with great determination, exploiting his opponent’s physical weakness. The American forced Sinner to keep moving with long rallies and tricky changes of direction, then gained the advantage with a delicate drop shot to take a 3-1 lead and a break. Facing the brink of collapse, Sinner risked letting his opponent pull ahead and put the match in a clearly unfavorable position.

At this critical moment, an unexpected "lifeline" came for the Italian: the tournament’s heat policy was activated as Melbourne’s temperature soared close to 40°C. The organizers decided to pause play on all courts and close the stadium roof. This brief break allowed Sinner extra time to recover, cool down, and regulate his breathing—an absolutely crucial factor given his full-body cramps.

When play resumed, Sinner was still not fully recovered, but the composure of a champion showed. The 24-year-old quickly earned a break to even the score and gradually regained control. Although Spizzirri continued to fight hard, the world No. 2 remained calm enough to manage the pace, minimize unnecessary movement, and seize the decisive moments to pull ahead.

In the end, Sinner completed a comeback after four sets, escaping what seemed like a physically doomed match. This miraculous survival not only propelled him into the fourth round but also highlighted the Italian’s cool-headedness and determination in his quest to defend his title at Melbourne Park.