Jannik Sinner clashed with 13th seed Holger Rune in a much-anticipated Australian Open fourth-round match on Monday. The Italian emerged victorious in four sets: 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The match was marked by several interruptions, including medical timeouts and an unusual net malfunction, sparking discussions about their potential influence on the game’s flow.

Reflecting on the interruptions, Sinner noted that although the break lasted longer than he anticipated, it adhered to the rules and was fair given the circumstances.

“It’s perfectly fine that you check, it was a very warm day today even though it was not sun all the time, it was very humid and so I was also feeling it. So, definitely, it’s fair that he got checked, I think it took longer than I expected. It was around 10 minutes maybe even more so that was a bit brutal in the middle of the set,” Rune said.

Although the break seemed to benefit the Italian, Rune refused to use it as an excuse for his loss. He acknowledged that while he had built strong momentum at the time, he accepted the situation and moved on.

Additionally, the Danish player himself took a three-minute medical timeout in the third set for treatment on his right knee when Sinner was leading 5-3.

“But yeah again you know it is what it is and I could move on but yeah I had good momentum at this moment. But yeah it was not the worst timing from his side,” Rune remarked.

During the match, Sinner paused for an 11-minute medical timeout in the third set while leading 3-2, addressing dizziness and physical discomfort. Before the break, the Italian was visibly limping between points.

The game also experienced a 21-minute delay due to a broken net, which provided Sinner with additional time to recover.

Jannik Sinner reaches his 15th consecutive ATP tour QF

With this win, Jannik Sinner secures his 15th consecutive ATP Tour quarterfinal berth and his sixth appearance in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. He is set to face the winner of the match between Alex de Minaur and Alex Michelsen in the next round.

The defending champion has delivered stellar performances in Melbourne so far and remains focused on adding to his Grand Slam tally, solidifying his position among the elite players in men’s tennis.

Through his consistent displays, the World No. 1 continues to showcase his composure in high-pressure situations. All eyes will be on him as he aims for another deep run in the tournament. His quarterfinal match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22.

Andy Roddick believes Andy Murray faces a tough predicament regardless of Novak Djokovic’s performance at the Australian Open.

The former Wimbledon champion from Britain has transitioned from playing to taking on the role of Djokovic’s head coach, with the goal of guiding the Serbian star to his 11th Australian Open title. So far, their partnership appears to be going well, with Djokovic advancing to the third round to face Tomas Machac on Friday.

However, Roddick, a former US tennis standout, thinks Murray is in a no-win situation. He argues that Murray will either be blamed for a disappointing result or receive excessive credit if Djokovic achieves success in Australia.

Speaking to Betway, 42-year-old Roddick said: “Here’s what I think is going to happen: If Novak does really well, we’re going to give Andy Murray – who I think has one of the highest tennis IQs ever – too much credit. And if something weird happens, we’re going to give Murray too much blame.”

Roddick pointed out that very few individuals could earn Djokovic’s trust to discuss strategy in a sport where he is an icon. He emphasized that the partnership with Murray has the potential to lead to even greater success.

He added: “Novak’s not going to change too much from what has got him to 24 Slams and 10 titles in Australia. It’s as simple as this – there are very few people that Novak can sit across from at dinner and talk about tennis and strategy, who understand the moment and what he’s trying to do, and whose brain he respects enough to actually consider their opinions.

“I think Andy Murray is one of those few, so it makes sense in so many ways.”

Murray retired in 2024 with an impressive record that includes two Wimbledon titles, one US Open, and two Olympic gold medals, solidifying his status as one of Britain’s most accomplished tennis players.

Now, his former rival and current protégé, Novak Djokovic—a 24-time Grand Slam champion—is aiming to add even more trophies to his collection with Murray’s guidance before eventually calling time on his own career.

Roddick believes that Murray and Djokovic’s partnership will work out in the long run due to their previous bond from playing against one another. He also noted that it will be a “massive benefit” for the 37-year-old Djokovic as he continues his stellar tennis career.

Roddick added: “The common ground with both is that there was never any stone left unturned. They’re both still extremely curious, despite all their successes. It does help that they’ve known each other for so long.

“I worked with Jimmy Connors and we didn’t know each other before we got together, and while it was a super beneficial relationship, there was this ice-breaking part of it. They can just skip right over that, which is a massive benefit for Novak at this point in his career.”

John McEnroe, often criticized for his commentary missteps—such as previously labeling Nicolás Jarry as “unknown”—faced fresh backlash on Thursday at the Australian Open.

During an on-court post-match interview with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, McEnroe stumbled once again. He asked Sinner if he was familiar with Tristan Schoolkate, the Italian’s second-round opponent who had managed to take a set off him—the first set Sinner had dropped since October. As anticipated, Sinner, who didn’t play extensively at the junior level, responded by making that point clear.

“Well, I didn’t play many juniors”, answered the World No.1.

McEnroe also followed up that question by saying that Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic ‘also lost sets to a couple of unknowns.”

But despite that there was some humour as he hilariously asked Sinner: “I’m pretty emotional. You’re able to control yourself so well. How do you do it?”

To which the Italian said: “We can say we are a bit different me and you” and McEnroe responded saying: “What are you saying?” to which Sinner jokingly ended the interview.

During that interview, he also touched on defending a Grand Slam title for the first time. “It’s definitely a different feeling. So many beautiful moments on and off the court happened for me here in this beautiful place. I take it as a chance to hopefully do it again. But it’s still a very long way to go. We go day by day. Seeing my level today, we know I can improve. Hopefully I can show this in the next round and it’s gonna be a great tournament for me again.”

Nick Kyrgios launches into chair umpire as Thanasi Kokkinakis hit with code violation

Nick Kyrgios erupted at the chair umpire during a doubles match after his partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, received a violation for ball abuse.

Facing fellow Australians James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic, the match reached a tense moment at 4-3 as Duckworth and Vukic attempted to break their opponents’ serve.

After losing the point by hitting the ball into the net, Kokkinakis aggressively struck the ball into the air in frustration. This action violated the player code of conduct, which prohibits players from hitting, kicking, or throwing a tennis ball violently, dangerously, or angrily, except when pursuing a point during play.

When the umpire issued the violation, Kyrgios immediately reacted with visible frustration.

“Bro, really? Really? You’re really going to do that?,” he said immediately.

Kyrgios then made reference to the fact Kokkinakis was playing injured after struggling to get through his singles match the night before.

“So him trying to play in front of the fans doesn’t mean anything? You’re going to give him a f—ing code violation for that? Really bro? F–k off.”

Kyrgios’ frustration didn’t end there, muttering to himself, “Bro, read the game,” before bringing up the code violation once more.

After Kokkinakis and Kyrgios secured the next game to take a 5-4 lead, Kyrgios focused solely on the umpire during the changeover, unleashing another outburst.

“We’re both injured right, full stadium of people to come see us play and he (Kokkinakis) doesn’t have to be here right and he hits a ball out of pain and you’re going to give him a code violation,” Kyrgios said.

“But it’s not unsportsmanlike? I’m just saying, read the game a bit more.

“I’m just saying, you don’t need to do that.”

Kokkinakis was later heard accusing Jack Draper, his second-round singles opponent, of committing a similar act but striking the ball flat.

Ultimately, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios were forced to retire from the doubles match due to injury, with Duckworth and Vukic leading 7-5, 3-2.