Jannik Sinner’s ambitions of winning a third straight Australian Open title looked close to being over as the Melbourne heat crept towards 40C.
In the end, the rising temperatures helped the cramping Italian come through a testing third-round match – because the Grand Slam tournament’s heat rule was invoked.
Only coming off court and having the roof pulled over saved Sinner from a shock defeat by American world number 85 Eliot Spizzirri.
“I got lucky with the heat rule,” conceded Sinner, who came through to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Sinner was undoubtedly the biggest winner on a sweltering day where play was suspended and almost 100,000 fans were warned to take care in the heat.
Matches on the show courts are being played in cooler conditions under the roof, but play on the outside courts did not resume until 19:30 local time because of the heat.
Mist tunnels, water machines and sun umbrellas helped cool down spectators.
Ball kids placed their hands on their feet – instead of the court – to avoid burning their palms when crouching at the net post.
American player Jessica Pegula says the stars are “used to” the searing heat, but Saturday’s conditions were a reminder of how brutal it can be at Melbourne Park.