The opening day of the 2026 Australian Open delivered a potent mix of ruthless efficiency and raw emotion, as defending champion Jannik Sinner began his title defence with a swift victory, while popular French veteran Gaël Monfils played his final match at Melbourne Park.
Sinner's Dominant Start Cut Short by Opponent's Retirement
World number two Jannik Sinner needed just over an hour on Rod Laver Arena to book his place in the second round, though his progress came in unfortunate circumstances. His French opponent, Hugo Gaston, retired from their first-round match after losing the opening two sets 6-2, 6-1.
This was the Italian's first official match since clinching the ATP Finals crown in November by defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner appeared in ominous form, displaying the powerful baseline game that has made him a two-time champion here. After losing the second set, a distressed Gaston indicated he could not continue and was later seen in tears under a towel at his courtside seat.
Sinner expressed surprise at the retirement but acknowledged his opponent was clearly struggling. The top seed will next face the winner of the match between Australia's James Duckworth and Croatian Dino Prizmic.
Shelton Survives Tough Opener, Monfils' Epic Farewell
In another highlight of the day, American eighth seed Ben Shelton navigated a perilous first-round draw against the highest-ranked unseeded player, France's Ugo Humbert. Shelton, a semi-finalist here last year, prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) in a tense battle between left-handers.
"I thought I stayed really calm today," Shelton remarked afterwards. "On a court like this, playing Ugo in the first round is a tough draw. I felt I found some of my better tennis late in the match." He will now meet Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny, who was responsible for ending a significant chapter in Australian Open history.
Sweeny's 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 victory over Gaël Monfils concluded the 39-year-old Frenchman's 20th and final campaign at the season's first Grand Slam. The nearly four-hour epic was a fittingly brave exit for a player who has thrilled Melbourne crowds for two decades.
Monfils Thanks Crowd for 'An Amazing Ride'
Following his defeat, Monfils was honoured with an on-court presentation and a prolonged standing ovation. Visibly moved, the 13-time ATP title winner, who announced in October that 2026 would be his final season, addressed the fans.
"Somehow it is the finish line, but thank you so much for an amazing ride," Monfils said, expressing his gratitude to the Melbourne Park crowd. His departure marks the end of an era for one of the sport's most charismatic and athletic performers.
Elsewhere on day one, fifth-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti advanced when his opponent, Raphaël Collignon, retired in the fourth set due to cramping and dizziness. The score was 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-2 at the time of the retirement.
Other players securing their second-round spots included:
- Eliot Spizzirri, who defeated 19-year-old Brazilian rising star and 28th seed João Fonseca 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2.
- World number 15 Karen Khachanov.
- Argentina's Sebastian Baez, who won a five-set thriller against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3.
The day's action set the stage for a tournament that promises both high-level competition and poignant moments as a legendary figure begins his farewell tour.
