Jannik Sinner will face Eliot Spizzirri in the third round of the 2026 Australian Open. This will no doubt be the biggest match of the University of Texas alum’s career, and he will be keen to spring an upset.
Spizzirri has already made quite the splash at the Australian Open so far, eliminating Joao Fonseca in the first round. He then played out a five-set thriller with Wu Yibing, ultimately winning 6-2, 6-4, 6(4)-7, 4-6, 6-3.
Eliot Spizzirri’s College Career – Featuring Ben Shelton
Regarded as one of the top young players in the United States, Spizzirri played college tennis at the University of Texas and was named the ITA National Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. The Connecticut native enjoyed ITF Futures success in 2021 in both singles and doubles, partnering Ben Shelton.
Spizzirri’s Maiden Grand Slam win
After showing great potential on the Challenger circuit, Spizzirri made his Grand Slam singles main draw debut at the 2024 US Open. He recorded his first Grand Slam win a year later at Flushing Meadows, defeating Stefan Dostanic in straight sets. He was beaten by Luciano Darderi in the second round in four sets.
Roger Federer As His Idol
Spizzirri considers Roger Federer to be his idol. In 2019, the Swiss maestro even participated in an extended training session with a then 17-year-old Spizzirri at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Spizzirri’s Twin Brother Plays Squash Professionally
Eliot has a twin brother who is a professional squash player. Nick Spizzirri went to the University of Pennsylvania before turning pro with Team USA. Nick has won 1 PSA title and also competed for Team USA at the 2024 Team World Championships.
“We kind of just try to … support the other one as much as we can. But when we were younger, it was much more of a sort of win at all costs [situation] and probably ended in a big fight,” he said about his twin.
Spizzirri’s Love For Ping Pong
Spizzirri is a big ping pong fan and spent his time off in between matches at the Australian Open playing ping pong with some of the tournament’s ball kids.
MORE: Extreme Heat Alert Forces Jessica Pegula, Jannik Sinner, Madison Keys Shift at Australian Open
“Ping pong is one of my favorite things to do. I always said if there was a talent show at my school, I’d go and play ping pong,” he told the Australian Open.
Spizzirri’s Connection With James Blake
American former tennis star James Blake serves as a mentor to Spizzirri. In addition, Blake’s brother, Thomas, is part of the 24-year-old’s coaching team. Also part of Spizzirri’s coaching team are his long-time coach, Patrick Hirscht, and Chris Williams.
Spizzirri’s Maiden Challenger Tour Title
Spizzirri won his first title since turning pro on the ATP Challenger Tour last year. He won the San Diego Open in February, defeating Mackenzie McDonald in the final, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. In addition, Spizzirri also won the doubles event in San Diego, partnering with Tyler Zink.
Spizzirri Has Made Two ATP Tour Quarterfinals
During his fledgling career on the ATP Tour so far, Spizzirri has already made two quarterfinals. He first made it to the last eight at the 2025 European Open, where he was beaten by eventual winner Félix Auger-Aliassime. He then made the quarterfinals at the 2026 ASB Classic before losing to Fábián Marozsán.
