Extreme heat has always shaped matches at the Australian Open, but rarely does it take over the conversation the way it did on Saturday, January 24 in Melbourne. During a tense third-round clash, play was suddenly halted, cameras went dark, and an eight-minute pause became the focal point of a growing storm around the match.
The stoppage came as officials responded to soaring temperatures at Melbourne Park. With the Heat Stress Scale reaching Level 5, the roof at Rod Laver Arena was closed, and both players were escorted off court. The move followed tournament protocol, but the timing quickly drew scrutiny.
At that moment, Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, was under visible strain. He was trailing 1-3 in the third set and dealing with cramps against Eliot Spizzirri, the world No. 85. When play resumed, the match shifted dramatically. Sinner went on to complete a 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6 comeback win, extending his Australian Open winning streak to 17 matches.
“I was alone… There was no treatment. You can not have a treatment at that time. I was stretching and I lay down for 5 minutes and tried to loosen up the muscles. It worked very well trying to get the body temperature a bit more down and that’s it. There are not many things you can do. Time passed quite fast but it helped me for sure…
The pause that changed the conversation
As soon as the broadcast feed returned, social media filled the silence. Fans questioned what could happen during eight minutes away from cameras, with some accusing officials of intervening at a critical point. The sudden swing in momentum only intensified the debate.
Sinner addressed the situation directly after the match. In his press conference, the two-time Australian Open champion was clear and measured. “I was alone,” he said, stressing that no treatment was permitted or received. According to Sinner, the room contained only a bed, and he spent the time stretching, lying down, and lowering his body temperature.
He also denied using ice or any medical aids, explaining that there was simply nothing available to use. Tournament rules support his account. Under Tennis Australia and Grand Slam heat protocols, players are not allowed to receive treatment during heat-related suspensions unless formally authorized.
Sinner acknowledged that the pause helped him reset physically, but described it as recovery rather than advantage. He adjusted his tactics, shortened rallies, and relied on experience to manage his body. “It was hot,” he said afterward. “I got lucky today.”
“Got lucky today. At the point when they closed the roof, it takes a little bit time. Tried to loosen up a little bit. It helped. Changed a bit also the way of how to play certain points. That helped me today, for sure…
Now through to the fourth round, Sinner will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi on Monday, January 26. The debate may continue online, but on court, Jannik Sinner‘s Australian Open title push remains firmly on track.
Read the full article here
