By Richard Pagliaro Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Photo credit: Daniel Kopacz/Getty
Jannik Sinner is creating a slower start and providing a faster finish.
The two-time Australian Open champion launched his title defense, winning 12 of 15 games, defeating the retired Frenchman 6-2, 6-1. Hugo Gaston at Rod Laver Arena.
Earlier in the game, Gaston took a tumble on the court, at one point burying his face in a towel and appearing to cry.
It was Sinner’s 17th straight win at the tour level, including his 11th straight straight sets win at the tour level.
One streaking sinner said he deliberately slowed down his serve at the beginning of the move and then sped up at the point of impact.
So far, so good.
“We changed the action and the rhythm of the serve a little bit,” Sinner told the media in Melbourne after his 15th straight AO win. “It used to be a little too fast in the beginning. Now
A bit slow. And the throw is usually a little in front and a little to the right. Now it’s back on top.
“I still lose it sometimes. It’s not a shot that I feel very safe on. But at the same time, we’re working on that. Yeah, it’s one of the most important shots we have because it can lead to a lot of great things. Yeah, so let’s see how I’m going to serve this season.”
Sinner, who is bidding to join Novak Djokovic as the second player in the Open era to win three consecutive AO titles, hit 64 percent of his serves and won 25 of his 29 first-serve points in the 68-minute victory.
Sinner will next face Australian wildcard James Duckworth in the second round.
“I’m happy. We’ve worked hard to get back on the court,” Sinner said of his opener. “It feels great. Obviously that’s not how you want to win games. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope it’s not too bad.
“But, from my perspective, I’m happy to be back on the court.”
