Jannik Sinner admitted he needed a slice of fortune to survive a physically draining third-round match at the Australian Open 2026, after struggling with cramps and extreme conditions.
The world number one was pushed hard before eventually booking his place in the fourth round, openly acknowledging that external factors played in his favour.
Jannik Sinner credits the heat rule for turning point
Sinner explained that the match changed once play was moved indoors under the tournament’s heat policy, allowing him to recover physically and regain control.
“I struggled physically today. I got lucky with the heat rule,” Sinner said. “As the time passed, I felt better and better.”
The Italian endured a difficult opening phase in oppressive Melbourne temperatures before officials applied the extreme heat rule, shifting the match to Rod Laver Arena with the roof closed.
From that point, Sinner’s movement improved and his shot tolerance increased, helping him grind through a demanding contest.
Cramps expose the area Jannik Sinner wants to improve
Sinner later detailed the physical issues that nearly derailed his campaign.
“It started with the legs. Got to the arms. I was cramping a bit all over,” he said. “This is the sport. This is an area I know I need to improve.
“Tennis is a very mental game. I tried to stay as calm as possible. I’m here to fight, to play every point the best possible way,” Sinner concluded.
The third-round encounter was one of the toughest tests Sinner has faced in Melbourne this year, forcing him to rely on resilience rather than dominance. Despite the cramps and fatigue, he managed to raise his level at key moments and close out the match in four sets.
Sinner’s admission underlined both his honesty and awareness. While he benefited from the conditions, he also highlighted the physical demands of Grand Slam tennis and the areas he believes must improve if he is to go all the way at the Australian Open once again.
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