Eliot Spizzirri has a secret talent.
The world No.85 has surpassed the opening two rounds of Australian Open 2026 to set up a third-round matchup with two-time reigning champion Jannik Sinner.
But before the looming battle arrives on Saturday night, the American used his day off to indulge in one of his favourite pastimes.
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Over the general crowd noise of Garden Square, beyond the chatter of visitors, live music and on-screen commentary, the sound of children’s laughter and the hollow ping of a table tennis ball can be heard.
Tucked into a corner of Garden Square is a communal table tennis table, complete with balls and paddles and an off-duty Spizzirri, who is enjoying the fun along with some of the Australian Open’s ballkids.
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“[Playing] some ping pong with the ballkids is an absolute joy,” he said.
“Ping pong is one of my favourite things to do. I always said if there was a talent show at my school, I'd go and play ping pong.”
Aside from ping pong, growing up Spizzirri came from a sports-centric family. His twin brother Nick is a world-class professional squash player who has been a significant inspiration for Spizzirri, pushing him to be the successful player he is today.
“Yeah, we played tennis a lot growing up,” said Spizzirri. “We played in some club championship matches and it was a lot different at 10 years old and 12 years old than it is now.
“We're both professionals in our respective sports. So now it's more about, you know, encouraging the other or giving each other some advice when need be.
“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 grinned.
Someone else who enjoys the odd game of table tennis is tennis legend and one of Spizzirri’s idols, Roger Federer. When asked who he thought would win a round of table tennis between himself and the Swiss great, Spizzirri said, “I wouldn't put money on myself.”
“I actually know that he plays squash. My brother plays squash and he plays squash, so I would be more interested in watching that,” he added.
“I definitely admire just the way [Federer] went about his business. He did it with so much class … [he] was also so generous to his fans and to other players in the locker room.
“And I think everyone kind of feels that just with the aura that he has around him. [He’s] just someone that's carried himself with the utmost class for his whole entire career.”
For Spizzirri, this January is his second appearance at the Happy Slam. In 2025, the 24-year-old competed in qualifiers, where he reached the second round. The American has competed at all four Grand Slams, but has only competed in the main draw at US Open and Australian Open. Third round at AO 2026 is his furthest run and career-best result.
When asked how the two Grand Slams differ, for Spizzirri, it’s all about where you’re playing, and who you’re playing for.
“I love it here. Melbourne's always been one of my favourite cities, so the energy is great,” he said.
“The energy in New York is also great, but it's a different vibe, maybe when you’re the home favourite and when you’re playing away. But playing my first two matches in a pretty hostile environment – I'm used to it.”
Spizzirri celebrated a career milestone at first round of AO 2026, where he defeated his first top-40 player, world No.32 Joao Fonseca, at 1573 Arena on Day 3 of main draw.
“It was a tough match … [I’ve] played him before and I knew I was gonna have to bring my best tennis and it was a battle. But [it] definitely gives you some confidence when you can get through that first round. And luckily it wasn't five sets so I could save the body.
“Yesterday I was able to play the duration [against China’s Yibing Wu]. So, definitely [had] a good start. Any time you can get win on a Grand Slam, it feels good.”