The Big Lead

Australian Open's point of the tournament lasted an incredible 37 shots (VIDEO)

By Joe Lago

Jan 18, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Jannik Sinner of Italy hits a forehand during his match against Marcos Giron of United States of America in the third round of the men's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Jannik Sinner of Italy hits a forehand during his match against Marcos Giron of United States of America in the third round of the men's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images / Mike Frey-Imagn Images
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The "point of the tournament" at the Australian Open will make you tired just watching it.

Top seed and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated 13th-seeded Holger Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday to advance to the quarterfinals, where Sinner will meet Australia's Alex de Minaur, the No. 8 seed who was a 6-0, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 winner over American Alex Michelsen.

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The 90-degree heat in Melbourne took a toll on Sinner and Rune, as both players needed medical timeouts to overcome the muggy conditions of their round-of-16 clash.

The battle of attrition was no more evident than when the two engaged in a marathon point with the match tied at one set apiece and 1-1 in the third set. Sinner summoned the necessary energy and urgency to erase a break point and get to deuce — but only after a combined mind-boggling 37 shots by the combatants.

After Sinner avoided the service break with a swinging forehand volley winner, both players were completely exhausted, leaning over with their hands on their knees. Later in the set, Sinner asked for a trainer and had his pulse checked.

A 20-minute delay in the fourth set to repair the net after it was dislodged by a big Sinner serve gave the players a much-needed break. Afterward, Sinner personally considered the freak accident to be a "lucky" break for it allowed him to catch his breath.

“Obviously, nobody was expecting this kind of thing. Usually when the net breaks, it’s not the bottom,” Sinner told reporters. “I was lucky today.”

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