Quick Read
- Eliot Spizzirri, ranked 85th, won the first set against world No. 2 Jannik Sinner at the 2026 Australian Open.
- Spizzirri secured the opening set 6-4 in the Round of 32 match on January 23.
- Sinner was a heavy favorite, entering with -10000 odds to win the match.
- Spizzirri is a 24-year-old American, a two-time ITA National Player of the Year from the University of Texas.
- Sinner had an impressive 34-3 hard court record in the past 12 months, winning five tournaments.
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – American tennis player Eliot Spizzirri, ranked 85th in the world, delivered a significant upset by winning the opening set against world No. 2 Jannik Sinner of Italy in the Round of 32 at the 2026 Australian Open on Friday. Spizzirri’s surprising 6-4 victory in the first set against one of the tournament’s top contenders immediately injected unexpected drama into the early stages of the competition, captivating audiences who had anticipated a straightforward win for Sinner.
The Unexpected Challenge
The match, held on Friday, January 23, pitted the highly favored Sinner against the relatively unknown Spizzirri. According to USA Today Sportsbook Wire, Sinner entered the contest with overwhelming odds of -10000 to advance to the Round of 16, while Spizzirri was a considerable underdog at +3300. This disparity underscored the shock of Spizzirri’s initial performance, as he managed to break Sinner’s serve and secure the first set. For a player of Sinner’s caliber, who rarely drops sets early in tournaments, this unexpected challenge signaled a moment of intense scrutiny and an early test of his championship aspirations.
Who is Eliot Spizzirri?
Eliot Spizzirri, a 24-year-old American from Stamford, Connecticut, has steadily climbed the professional ranks, reaching his career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 85 just ahead of the Australian Open. His journey to professional tennis was notably bolstered by an illustrious college career at the University of Texas. Spizzirri distinguished himself as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, a rare feat achieved by only four players in collegiate tennis history, as reported by Sporting News. This collegiate success laid a strong foundation for his transition to the ATP Tour, equipping him with competitive experience and a winning mentality often crucial for challenging top-tier opponents. Spizzirri also has a twin brother, Nick Spizzirri, who is a first-team All-American squash player at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sinner’s Dominance and the Context of the Upset
Jannik Sinner’s recent record highlights the magnitude of Spizzirri’s first-set win. Over the past 12 months, Sinner has compiled an impressive 34-3 record on hard courts, securing five tournament victories, including the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals where he defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in November. His service game statistics are particularly formidable, winning 91.5% of his service games on hard courts during the same period. In contrast, Spizzirri’s hard court record stands at 16-10 over the last year, with a service game win rate of 77.1%. While Spizzirri had a solid run to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic earlier in January, his performance against Sinner in Melbourne showcased a significant leap in his ability to compete at the highest level, at least for a crucial set. The betting odds, which implied a 99.0% probability of Sinner winning the match, further contextualize the unexpected nature of Spizzirri’s early lead.
Implications for Both Players
For Eliot Spizzirri, this performance, regardless of the match’s final outcome, marks a pivotal moment in his young career. Taking a set from a player of Sinner’s stature on a Grand Slam stage will undoubtedly boost his profile, confidence, and potentially open doors to more main draw opportunities in future tournaments. It demonstrates his capacity to rise to the occasion against elite competition and signals his potential as a future contender. For Jannik Sinner, dropping an early set serves as a stark reminder that even the most dominant players can face unexpected challenges, prompting a need for heightened focus and resilience as he navigates the demanding Grand Slam schedule.
Eliot Spizzirri’s ability to challenge Jannik Sinner so effectively in the opening set of a major tournament underscores the increasing depth of talent in professional tennis and highlights how emerging players can leverage grand slam platforms to make a significant statement. This performance will likely serve as a benchmark for Spizzirri, signaling his arrival as a player capable of disrupting the established hierarchy and setting the stage for increased attention on his future progress.