Jannik Sinner gives fitness update after battling past illness to move into Australian Open QF

Jannik Sinner was forced to dig deep as he battled illness and the scorching Melbourne heat to beat Holger Rune and advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2025 on Monday, January 20. The defending champion earned a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win against 13th seed Rune at the Rod Laver Arena.

It was a proper physical battle as Siner struggled for large parts and poured water on himself to beat the heat. The top-seeded Italian took a medical timeout during the third set to address his illness.

After his well-earned victory, the 23-year-old revealed that he had not warmed up before the match due to illness.

“This morning was a very strange morning, because I didn’t even warm up today, trying to go on court as fit as I could. I knew in my mind already before the match that I would struggle today. I have to say that game-wise I played well today. I served very well and it was quality shots which then gave me the confidence to fight on,” Sinner said in his on-court interview.

Jannik Sinner will next face Alex Michelsen or eighth-seeded Australian Alex De Minaur in the quarterfinals.

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Jannik Sinner praises Australian Open organizers

Sinner visibly struggled with the heat in the third set as he draped a towel around his neck while his right hand was seen trembling. He subsequently took a medical time-out and came back looking better.

While he did not reveal the full extent of his illness, he mentioned that the medical time-out helped him get back on the court and wrap up the contest.

“And of course, the time off the court when me and the doctor talked a little bit, so you know it helped me today,” he said.

Sinner, the reigning World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, was appreciative of the efforts made by the organizers of the Australian Open to ensure all the players have a good experience. He also thanked the crowd for their constant support amidst the sweltering heat.

“This also shows that this tournament has great organisation. It's an awesome tournament. They really take care of the players and we're all very happy to be here, happy to compete. In these kinds of matches, we try to bring out our best only for you guys. So thank you so much,” he added.

Jannik Sinner will look to get some much-needed rest and fully recover before his next match on Tuesday, January 21.