Sinner had to fight hard on Rod Laver Arena. In the over 30-degree heat, his hands were shaking, his pulse was taken, and he was forced to leave the court for medical attention.
The 23-year-old returned to play again – and eventually won the tough match against Danish player Holger Rune.
It was really, really tough, he says.
I tried to be mentally strong, have good serve and return play to see what would happen.
About the doctor's visit:
I had a strange morning and didn't warm up, so I knew I would have to fight today.
Sinner, who is the reigning champion in Australian Open, had a very good last year – but outside it was tougher.
In March, he tested positive for doping. He was acquitted by the tennis anti-doping organization (ITIA), but the international doping agency Wada has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). The case will be heard in mid-April and Wada wants Sinner banned for one to two years.
