Australian Open suspends play as Jannik Sinner among players to suffer in extreme heat

Defending champion battles cramps in match against Eliot Spizzirri

Temperatures push towards 40C on day seven at Melbourne Park

Defending champion Jannik Sinner has been afforded possible salvation by the Australian Open heat protocols, after the Rod Laver Arena roof was closed while the Italian was physically struggling and down a break in the third set against American world No 85 Eliot Spizzirri.

Extreme heat in Melbourne drove temperatures towards 40C on Saturday afternoon and play was suspended on outer courts until 5.30pm at the earliest.

The Australian Open’s heat stress scale triggered a suspension at around 2.30pm, just as Sinner was beginning to severely cramp during his third round match against Spizzirri. Play on outside courts was paused, and arena roofs were closed.