Sinner Begins Australian Open Title Defence Against Gaston
MELBOURNE, 20 January 2026 – World No. 2 Jannik Sinner opens his campaign for a historic third straight Australian Open crown today, facing France’s Hugo Gaston in the first round at Melbourne Park. The Italian star, who lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2025, enters the tournament as one of the overwhelming favourites despite ceding the top ranking to rival Carlos Alcaraz at the end of a gruelling 2025 season.
Chasing a Melbourne Hat-Trick
The 24-year-old from South Tyrol has developed a formidable affinity for the hard courts of Melbourne, boasting a 22-4 career record at the season’s first Grand Slam. A victory this fortnight would make him the first man since Novak Djokovic (2019-2021) to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. Sinner’s path to the final is projected to go through record ten-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, setting up a potential blockbuster clash.
Key Player Facts
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | World No. 2 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 4 (AO ’24, USO ’24, AO ’25, Wimbledon ’25) |
| 2025 Season Record | 58-6, 6 titles (incl. Wimbledon & ATP Finals) |
| Career Prize Money | Over $56.6 million |
| Australian Open Win-Loss | 22-4 (85% win rate) |
Building on a Stellar 2025
Sinner’s 2025 campaign was another testament to his elite status, though it was marked by a fierce rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. He captured his first Wimbledon title, defeating Alcaraz in four sets in the final, and successfully defended his ATP Finals crown in Turin. However, he fell to the Spaniard in the finals of the French Open and US Open, a results sequence that ultimately decided the year-end No. 1 ranking. The season was not without physical challenges, including an elbow injury at Wimbledon and a retirement in the Cincinnati final due to illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record against Carlos Alcaraz?
As of the end of the 2025 season, Carlos Alcaraz leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Their rivalry has defined the last two seasons, with many of their 13 meetings occurring in semi-finals and finals, including five Grand Slam matches.
Has Sinner struggled with injuries recently?
Yes, Sinner has managed several physical issues. In 2025, he sustained a right elbow injury during Wimbledon and was forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final due to illness. His injury history also includes hip and leg problems in previous seasons, though he has demonstrated resilience in returning to top form.
What would a third Australian Open win mean for Sinner’s legacy?
A third consecutive title in Melbourne would cement Sinner’s status as a modern hard-court great and place him among an elite group of players who have achieved a hat-trick at the Australian Open. It would also provide crucial momentum in his ongoing battle with Alcaraz for the top ranking in 2026.