By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Double defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday in just over an hour of tennis after his French opponent Hugo Gaston retired upon losing the first two sets 6-2 6-1. In his first official match since beating Carlos Alcaraz for the ATP Finals crown, the Italian world number two was in ominous form on the Rod Laver Arena court he has ruled for two years before the match was cut short.
After losing the second set, Gaston gestured he could no longer continue and retired to his seat to cry under a towel. Sinner said he was surprised by the retirement but could see Gaston was not at his best. Sinner will continue his bid for a third successive Australian Open crown against the winner of James Duckworth and Dino Prizmic.
Despite the abrupt ending, Sinner showed clear sportsmanship, applauding Gaston as he left the court in visible distress. While no specific injury was immediately confirmed, observers noted that the Frenchman appeared physically uncomfortable as the match progressed, particularly in the latter stages of the second set, prompting concern over his ability to continue safely.
The victory further underlined Sinner’s strong start to the season, following his impressive triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals. His aggressive baseline play, sharp movement and composure on serve once again demonstrated why he has become such a dominant force on Rod Laver Arena, a venue where he has now built an imposing record over the past two years.
As the Australian Open men’s draw continues to unfold, Sinner remains one of the standout favourites alongside fellow title contenders such as Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz. With confidence high and form already evident, the Italian will be eager to maintain his momentum as he pursues a rare third consecutive Australian Open title in Melbourne.
