How the Australian Open put Jannik Sinner in jeopardy and didn’t save him despite roof closure

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Jannik Sinner stole all the headlines on day seven of the 2026 Australian Open.

The two-time defending champion looked in real trouble against America’s Eliot Spizzirri.

Cramping up in the extreme Melbourne heat, Sinner trailed Spizzirri, 4-6, 6-3, 1-3, on Rod Laver Arena.

He was then saved by the Australian Open Heat Rules, which allowed him to take a break and recover as the roof closed.

Making the most of the break, a refreshed Sinner returned to beat Spizzirri in four sets.

After the match, several fans took to social media to complain about the heat rules, with some arguing they were implemented to benefit Sinner.

That wasn’t the case, however, as if anything, the Australian Open did Sinner no favors in round three…

Jannik Sinner was put in jeopardy with day session slot

The notion that the two-time defending champion received preferential treatment today is simply untrue.

Sinner was made to play in the trickier day session, while Novak Djokovic was given the cooler night-session slot.

Day seven – Rod Laver Arena order of play

• Day session match 1 – Madison Keys defeated Karolina Pliskova, 6-3, 6-3
• Day session match 2 – Jannik Sinner defeated Eliot Spizzirri, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
• Night session match 1 – Novak Djokovic defeated Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
• Night session match 2 – Cancelled (Naomi Osaka withdrew)
• Night session match 2 – Jason Kubler/Marc Polmans vs Jakub Paul/Marcus Willis

If the Australian Open really were trying to help Sinner, they wouldn’t have made him play during the hottest period of the day, on the hottest day of the tournament so far…

Yes, the timing of the break played into Sinner’s hands, but you can’t blame the umpire for following the rules, and you certainly can’t blame Sinner for taking advantage.

The Heat Stress Scale is an objective measure, and once it reached five, those in charge had to take action to ensure the safety of both Sinner and Spizzirri.

Heat Stress Scale (Measured from 1-5)

The Australian Open ‘Heat Stress Scale’ measures four factors. When the scale hits five, play is suspended.

• Radiant heat
• Humidity
• Air temperature
• Wind speed

Sinner’s ability to come back and win the match from the position he was in should be celebrated, not criticized.

For the second year in a row, the Italian found himself struggling in the heat but persevered.

Last year, it was against Holger Rune in the fourth round that Sinner had problems.

Then, too, he battled to a four-set win.

Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?

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Faced with adversity, Sinner continues to rise to the challenge.

He will, however, hope that the weather cools down for his next match at the 2026 Australian Open, as he looks to keep his title dream alive.

Jannik Sinner is four wins away from beating Rafael Nadal’s record

Winning his second Australian Open title in 2025, Sinner established himself as one of the tournament’s best players this Century.

Only three men: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andre Agassi have won more Australian Open men’s singles titles than Sinner since 2000.

Australian Open men’s singles champions since 2000

He’s currently tied with Spain’s Rafael Nadal on two titles, but could move ahead if he wins this year’s tournament.

To better what Nadal managed during his entire Australian Open career, at 24, would be a simply remarkable achievement.

There’s a long way to go before he can think about lifting the title, though.

But who else might Sinner need to play?

Jannik Sinner’s potential route to the title

Only time will tell if Sinner can emerge victorious down under, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Sinner will play Luciano Darderi in the fourth round on Monday, January 26.