World number two Jannik Sinner has begun his campaign for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, but his opening victory arrived under sombre circumstances as French opponent Hugo Gaston retired in tears.
A Bittersweet Start in Melbourne
The Italian top seed was leading comfortably with a score of 6-2, 6-1 when Gaston was forced to withdraw from the first-round match. This marked Sinner's first competitive outing since early November, and the win extends his impressive winning streak to 16 matches, a run that began with title triumphs in Vienna, Paris, and Turin at the end of last season.
Speaking after the match, the two-time defending champion expressed mixed emotions. "I was very happy to be back," Sinner said. "We put in a lot of work to be back on court. It felt great." He was quick to acknowledge the unfortunate manner of the win, adding, "Obviously not the way you want to win the match. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope it's nothing too bad."
Keys and Pliskova Navigate Tricky Openers
Elsewhere in the draw, the 2025 women's champion Madison Keys faced a stern early test. The American ninth seed found herself 0-4 down in her first set against Oleksandra Oliynykova and had to save two set points in a tense tiebreak before eventually securing a 7-6, 6-1 victory.
There was a successful return for former world number one Karolina Pliskova. Competing in her first tour-level match since a devastating injury forced her to retire after just three points at the 2024 US Open, Pliskova showed her class with a 7-6, 6-2 win over former US Open winner Sloane Stephens.
Farewell to a Fan Favourite
The tournament also saw an emotional farewell for French showman Gael Monfils. The former world number six, who has announced he will retire this season, played his final Australian Open match. His campaign ended with a gallant 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 defeat to Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny in a gripping four-set battle.
Reflecting on his own journey back to the court, Sinner emphasised the joy of competition. "I've put in many, many long days in the off-season trying to become a better tennis player," he stated. "But at the end of the day the most important part is to go on court and to enjoy. It's very special to start the season in a night session match here in a Grand Slam." His quest for a third crown continues.
