Melbourne, Australia — A bizarre incident during the fourth-round match of the Australian Open 2025 led to play being suspended for around 20 minutes as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner faced off against 13th seed Holger Rune. The interruption occurred on Rod Laver Arena when Sinner’s serve at the start of the fourth set inadvertently broke the bolt connecting the net to the court.
With Sinner leading the match at 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, and trailing 0-1 at the time of the break, officials quickly determined they needed to conduct repairs on the malfunctioning net. The broken net was connected by two parts–one attached to the net strap and another fixed to the court. Sinner's serve ruptured the latter, causing the significant delay. Following the incident, Sinner told his team he anticipated about 20 minutes before the match could resume, but staff managed to implement the fix slightly faster.
Commentator Todd Woodbridge remarked, "I've not seen this happen before where it's been ripped out like [the net has]. I have seen the latch break before, but this is the first of its kind for me. You have to be prepared for everything.”
During the interruption, the two players took cover in the locker rooms, leaving the court as officials reattached the net. Sinner, who has been the reigning champion, had shown signs of struggle during the match—at one point visibly shaking and experiencing difficulty breathing. He took a medical timeout when leading 3-2 in the third set, which lasted around 12 minutes, taking him off the court for treatment.
Rune, too, faced challenges, seeking medical treatment for his right leg at one stage of the match. Despite the physical toll, Sinner managed to maintain his focus and energy levels. Following the resumption of play after the brief hiatus, Sinner said, "I was lucky today," referring to how the unexpected break helped him regain composure during the challenging match.
Once the players returned, they warmed up quickly and resumed their tense battle. Sinner's physical condition appeared to stabilize as he fought through the remainder of the match. Eventually, Sinner clinched the victory with scores of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, and 6-2, advancing him to the quarterfinals where he will face either Alex De Minaur or Alex Michelsen.
The incident, unusual for such a high-stakes match, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. Major tournaments like the Australian Open rarely face interruptions, especially due to equipment issues. This occurrence added to the already intense environment of the competition and demonstrated how athletes must re-adjust to fluctuated circumstances, including physical strain and unexpected breaks.
For spectators and commentators alike, the match between Sinner and Rune captured the imagination, filled with drama and athletic prowess but now also underlined by this quirky pause. Whether it was the blistering Melbourne heat or the pressure of the match, both players showed resilience and determination, with Sinner proving his mettle as he moved one step closer to defending his title.