Jannik Sinner battles dizzy spells to reach quarter-finals

NEW DELHI: Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, admitted that a lengthy break when he unintentionally broke the net was "big, big luck" after overcoming dizzy spells in the sweltering heat on Monday to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals.

On Rod Laver Arena, the world number one lost a set once more before defeating Danish 13th seed Holger Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, with both players requiring medical care.

Before leaving the court for a medical timeout in the third set, Sinner's hand was clearly shaking and his heart rate was recorded as he labored in the humid conditions.

During the same set, Rune needed care for a painful right knee.

Early in set four, Sinner's powerful serve destroyed the metal brace that holds the net on the floor, causing an odd 20-minute wait.

"I was not feeling really well. You know, I think we saw that today I was struggling physically," said Sinner, 23, who is bidding to become the first Italian man to win three Grand Slam crowns.

He refused to say exactly what was wrong with him, only that he was "not there health-wise" and had been "a bit dizzy at times".

"I don't want to go into details. I think it was, you know, then also with the pressure and everything, it was not easy."

He acknowledged that he was able to recharge during the air-conditioned break while officials fixed the net.

"I was lucky today that... 20 minutes off court, you know, trying to get back physically, putting some cold water in my head, it was very helpful. It was big, big luck to me today."

The Italian is bidding to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time after winning the first of his two majors in Melbourne last year, beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.