Eliot Spizzirri is making waves in 2026 with performances that suggest a promising future in professional tennis. His early-season success, highlighted by a breakthrough run at the Australian Open, reflects the dedication and preparation he put in during the offseason.
Spizzirri began the year with an impressive 4-2 record, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 71. His momentum started at the Auckland ATP 250, where he not only qualified but also advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating higher-ranked opponents such as Cristian Garin, Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, Adrian Mannarino, and Nuno Borges.
The momentum carried into the Australian Open, where Spizzirri caused a major upset by defeating No. 32 seed João Fonseca and then Yibing Wu, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time. He even took a set off eventual champion and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, a remarkable achievement considering Sinner only dropped one other set in the entire tournament, to Novak Djokovic.
Much of Spizzirri’s success can be traced to the work he put in during the offseason. He trained intensively in Boca Raton with coaches Patrick Hirscht and Christopher Williams. This period is now highlighted in the new docu-series Off Season from Ground Pass Podcast, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation required to compete at the top level.
The first episode, titled “Rest,” showcases his grueling training schedule and dedication. Narrated by former ATP player Chris Eubanks, it emphasizes Spizzirri’s relentless drive. “He’s just a workhorse. When you step foot on court with him, it doesn’t matter what lead you have, he’s never going to give up,” Eubanks said.
Looking ahead, Spizzirri is preparing for the Delray Beach Open, where he will compete in the qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the ATP 250 main draw starting February 16. Fans can also continue to follow his journey through Off Season, with new episodes released every other Sunday. The next episode, featuring other rising talents including Hailey Baptiste, Ethan Quinn, Camila Osorio, and Colton Smith, is scheduled for February 15.
Spizzirri’s early-season performances, combined with his disciplined offseason, signal that he is ready to compete with the sport’s elite and could be a standout player to watch in 2026.
