In a dramatic round-of-16 match at the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner showcased extraordinary resilience, overcoming physical struggles to defeat Holger Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Despite waking up feeling unwell and enduring visible physical distress during the match, the world No. 1 found a way to prevail and keep his title defense alive.
“I knew I’d struggle”: Sinner’s pre-match battle
Sinner revealed in his post-match interview that he had sensed trouble brewing even before stepping on the court.
“This morning was strange. I didn’t even warm up. I was trying to go on court as fit as I could be. I knew in my mind before the match that I would struggle today,” Sinner admitted.
Despite his physical challenges, Sinner delivered a stellar performance, relying on his powerful serve and precise groundstrokes to stay in the contest. His ability to maintain composure under immense physical strain was a testament to his mental fortitude.
A medical timeout turns the tide
The match took a dramatic turn in the third set when Sinner’s condition visibly worsened. His hands were seen trembling, and he called for a physio and doctor at 3-2. After a brief conversation with the medical team, Sinner left the court for an extended 11-minute medical timeout.
Upon his return, the Italian broke Rune’s serve in the eighth game, securing a critical third set. With newfound momentum, Sinner dominated the fourth set, claiming two breaks to seal the victory.
A fighter’s mindset
When asked to elaborate on his condition, Sinner chose to keep the details private but acknowledged his physical struggles.
“I don’t want to talk so much about how I felt today. I was not feeling really well. I think we saw that. I was struggling physically. I came here as late as possible,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Sinner credited his sharp gameplay and strong serving for helping him push through.
“Game-wise, I played well, I served very well. There were quality shots that gave me the confidence to fight on.”
Next up: A clash with the home favorite
Sinner’s journey at the Australian Open continues as he faces local hero Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semifinals. With de Minaur buoyed by home support, Sinner will need to recover quickly to maintain his quest for back-to-back titles.
