Sinner Eases Into Australian Open Second Round as Gaston Retires

MELBOURNE, 22 January 2026 – World No. 2 Jannik Sinner made a commanding start to his Australian Open title defence on Tuesday, advancing to the second round after his opponent, France’s Hugo Gaston, retired injured. The Italian, seeking a third consecutive crown at Melbourne Park, was leading 6-2, 6-1 when the match concluded after just over an hour on court.

Dominant Start in Melbourne

The reigning champion required only 68 minutes to secure his passage, displaying the form that has made him the favourite for the title. Sinner’s aggressive baseline game proved too much for Gaston, who called for the trainer before ultimately being unable to continue. The victory marks a positive first step in Sinner’s campaign to join an elite group of players who have won three straight Australian Open titles.

The Road to a Third Consecutive Title?

Sinner’s path through the draw sees him face local favourite James Duckworth in the second round. A potential blockbuster semifinal against record champion Novak Djokovic looms, as the two stars were placed in the same half during the draw ceremony. Sinner enters the tournament in strong form, having ended his 2025 season by winning the Vienna Open, the Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals in Turin back-to-back.

Sinner’s 2025 Season in Review

The 2025 campaign was another landmark year for the 24-year-old from South Tyrol. He captured his fourth Grand Slam title by successfully defending his Australian Open crown, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. He later added a second Wimbledon title to his collection. Sinner also made history by winning back-to-back ATP Finals titles without dropping a single set, a feat last achieved by Ivan Lendl in 1986.

His season concluded with a 58-6 win-loss record and over €19 million in prize money, cementing his status as one of the sport’s premier talents alongside rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

Key Facts & Career Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open?

Jannik Sinner has won the Australian Open twice, in 2024 and 2025. He is the defending champion at the 2026 tournament.

What is Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record against Novak Djokovic?

While the exact head-to-head is dynamic, Sinner has had significant victories over Djokovic, including in the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open en route to his first major title. They could meet in the semifinals of this year’s tournament.

Has any player won three Australian Open titles in a row?

Yes, Novak Djokovic has achieved this feat twice (2011-2013 and 2019-2021). Sinner is attempting to match this by winning in 2024, 2025, and 2026.