Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open exit looked imminent against Eliot Spizzirri, but the world number two managed to find a way to secure his place in the fourth round of the Grand Slam.
Spizzirri was a break up in the third set against the Italian, but Sinner turned the match around after the Australian Open roof was closed.
The world number two won the final two sets by a single break of serve to survive the extreme heat in Melbourne and set up a match with Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.
Sinner has led the charge for Italian tennis at the Australian Open as the nation made Open Era history in Melbourne on day 6 of the event.
Three Italians make the Australian Open last 16 for the first time ever
Sinner is one of three Italian players to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open, which has never happened in the Open Era according to OptaAce.
He will be joined by Lorenzo Musetti and Luciano Darderi, who have both taken giant strides in the sport in the past 12 months.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
Musetti defeated Tomas Machac in a thrilling five sets, while Darderi managed to upset Karen Khachanov in four sets.
Unfortunately for Italy, the nation are already guaranteed to lose a player before the next round, as Sinner and Darderi will play each other.
Musetti, meanwhile, faces a very tricky fourth round test against Taylor Fritz, who defeated Stan Wawrinka in the third round.
Nevertheless, Italian tennis is in an extremely strong position right now and they continue to break new records.
Jannik Sinner snaps 32-year streak at the Australian Open
Sinner might have struggled against Spizzirri, but he’s managed to secure yet another impressive record in Melbourne.
The star’s victory against the American was his 17th straight win following his Australian Open wins in 2024 and 2025.
Sinner achieved the stunning feat at a younger age than Novak Djokovic, who has won the event a record 10 times.
Who would win this legendary showdown?
The last player to win 17 straight matches younger than Sinner at the Australian Open was Jim Courier, who managed the feat between 1992 and 1994.
Courier lifted the Australian Open trophy in 1992 and 1993 and his remarkable unbeaten streak came to an end at the 1994 event when he lost to Pete Sampras in the semi-final.
Sinner can reach 21 straight victories at the tournament if he wins the Australian Open for a third consecutive year in 2026.
