Sinner nearly faced a fifth set after losing his serve and trailing 1-3 early in the fourth set. Spizzirri, ranked 85th in the ATP, repeatedly challenged Sinner throughout the match. In the third set, the American player also led Sinner 3-1 but ultimately lost due to inconsistent serving.

Spizzirri's strongest period was the first set, where he created a tense, back-and-forth battle with the reigning champion. Despite losing his opening service game, the 24-year-old immediately broke back, then secured another impressive break late in the set to win 6-4.

Spizzirri maintained an offensive approach, attacking whenever an opportunity arose. He also made few unforced errors, demonstrating solid play. His total error count for the match was 29, significantly lower than Sinner's 51.

The match was tough for Sinner, who suffered cramps in the third set, at times struggling with his serve and movement. Melbourne's hot weather prompted the umpire to halt play and close the roof. This 10-minute break came at a crucial moment for Sinner, allowing him to recover and surge in the remainder of the match.

Sinner returns a serve during his third-round match against Spizzirri at the Australian Open, on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia on 24/1. *Reuters*

"Fortunately, the cramp pain gradually eased after each game", Sinner revealed post-match. "This experience helps me understand my body better. I was lucky they decided to close the roof, which gave me a bit more time. I also had to adjust my playing style, and that was crucial."

By taking risks and aiming for shorter rallies, Sinner accumulated 56 winners throughout the match, compensating for his unforced errors. The Italian player's ability to save points was also impressive, as he held off 10 break points.

Despite his strong recent performance, extreme heat remains Sinner's biggest weakness. His only hard-court loss since September 2024, against any opponent other than Carlos Alcaraz, was a retirement against Tallon Griekspoor in severe heat and humidity in Shanghai last October.

He faced a similar scenario at the Australian Open 2025, experiencing significant health issues under difficult conditions against Holger Rune in the fourth round, before pushing through to continue playing.

Spizzirri, a former collegiate tennis star at the University of Texas, was making his third-round debut at a Grand Slam and had never previously played in the main draw of the Australian Open. This was also Spizzirri's first match against a top 10 opponent, yet he displayed qualities that could elevate his career.

"My opponent played incredibly today", Sinner added. "No match is easy at a Grand Slam. My next opponent is a compatriot I've practiced with. That will certainly be another tough match."

Sinner will face 22nd seed and compatriot Luciano Darderi in the fourth round. Darderi previously caused an upset by defeating Karen Khachanov, a 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, in four sets. The player born in 2002 had never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam before last year's US Open, but has shown progress by reaching the third round at Flushing Meadows and now the fourth round at Melbourne Park.

By Vy Anh