Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the Australian Open second round after Hugo Gaston retired with illness while trailing 6-2, 6-1. The world No. 2 was in commanding form before the unfortunate end, continuing his quest to become just the second man in the Open Era to claim three consecutive Melbourne titles. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz powered past Valentin Royer in four sets, and Tomas Machac carried his recent Adelaide International momentum into a commanding victory over Grigor Dimitrov.
Sinner marches on after Gaston retirement
The two-time defending champion was firmly in control when Gaston called for medical attention and ultimately could not continue inside Rod Laver Arena. Sinner had dominated from the baseline, working at an exceptionally high level while implementing the serve refinements he'd been developing through the off-season. The Italian noted afterward that his serve remains the stroke with the most untapped potential, having adjusted his motion to create a slower rhythm and repositioned his ball toss slightly back and over his head. Those technical changes appear to be paying dividends - Sinner won an exceptional 86% of first serve points and saved all three break points he faced. His pressure point statistics were equally impressive, winning 14 of 16 serve pressure points and capitalizing on 16 of 24 return pressure opportunities. The match lasted just 68 minutes before Gaston, who had been struggling with his serve pace particularly in the second set, was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Fritz fires past Royer in four-set showcase
Taylor Fritz delivered a serving masterclass against Valentin Royer, advancing 7-6(5) 5-7 6-1 6-3 with a dominant display from the baseline. The American ninth seed found his rhythm after dropping the second set, unleashing 24 aces while maintaining an impressive 82% first serve winning percentage. Fritz's ability to raise his level in pressure moments proved decisive - he won 10 of 18 serve pressure points while capitalizing brilliantly on return opportunities with 24 of 52 successful return pressure points. The match showcased Fritz's evolution as a complete player, mixing power with precision as he broke serve six times from 21 opportunities. After trading tightly contested opening sets, Fritz seized control in the third set before closing out the victory with authority in the fourth.
Machac continues Adelaide momentum with Dimitrov demolition
Fresh off his Adelaide International title victory that propelled him back into the top 25, Tomas Machac dismantled Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-4 6-3 in a dominant straight-sets performance. The 25-year-old Czech continued the exceptional form that saw him defeat Tommy Paul and Ugo Humbert en route to his second tour-level title just days earlier. Machac's serve was virtually untouchable, winning 80% of first serve points while unleashing 21 aces and committing just one double fault. His composure under pressure was equally impressive - he saved all four break points faced while converting four of his 10 break opportunities. The pressure point statistics told the story of his control, winning eight of 10 serve pressure points while capitalizing on 13 of 29 return pressure situations. This victory represents the continuation of a breakthrough period for Czech tennis, with Machac and compatriot Jakub Mensik both capturing titles in the same week for the first time since Ivan Lendl and Tomas Smid achieved the feat in 1982.
Shelton survives Humbert challenge
Ben Shelton overcame a stern test from Ugo Humbert, prevailing 6-3 7-6(2) 7-6(5) in a match that required the American seventh seed to dig deep in two tiebreak sets. Humbert, coming off his runner-up finish at the Adelaide International where he climbed to world No. 33, pushed Shelton throughout the encounter but couldn't quite find the breakthrough moments needed. Shelton's serve proved decisive, firing 15 aces while winning 78% of first serve points. The match hinged on crucial pressure moments, where Shelton managed six of 11 serve pressure points while capitalizing on nine of 25 return pressure opportunities. Both tiebreaks showcased Shelton's ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, ultimately advancing in straight sets despite the competitive nature of the encounter.
Musetti escapes five-set thriller
Lorenzo Musetti survived a marathon encounter with Raphael Collignon, eventually prevailing 4-6 7-6(3) 7-5 3-2 when his opponent retired. The Italian fifth seed showed remarkable resilience after dropping the opening set, fighting back through crucial moments to take control of the match. Musetti's ability to save break points proved vital - he rescued 11 of 15 break point opportunities while converting five of his 10 chances. The pressure point battle was intense, with Musetti winning 22 of 36 serve pressure points while managing 12 of 31 return pressure situations. His nine aces helped maintain serve effectiveness at 66% of first serve points won, though the match's physical toll eventually contributed to Collignon's inability to continue in the fourth set.
Khachanov outlasts Michelsen in five-set epic
Karen Khachanov emerged victorious from a grueling five-set battle with Alex Michelsen, winning 4-6 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 in a match that showcased both players' fighting spirit. The Russian 18th seed's serve was a weapon throughout, delivering 24 aces while maintaining a 77% first serve winning percentage. Khachanov's clutch serving under pressure was exceptional - he saved 10 of 12 break points faced while winning an impressive 42 of 54 serve pressure points. The American challenger pushed hard, creating 15 break point opportunities, but Khachanov's experience in the crucial moments ultimately proved decisive. After trading sets through four, Khachanov found another gear in the decider to close out the marathon encounter and advance to the second round.
Mensik mounts stunning comeback against Carreno-Busta
Jakub Mensik produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Pablo Carreno-Busta 7-5 4-6 2-6 7-6(1) 6-3, recovering from a two-sets-to-one deficit in spectacular fashion. The 17th-ranked Czech, fresh off his Auckland title triumph, showed why he's considered one of the most promising talents in the game with his mental fortitude under extreme pressure. Mensik's serve was both a blessing and a burden - he struck 27 aces but also committed 19 double faults in a high-risk, high-reward approach. His pressure point management was crucial in the comeback, winning 37 of 59 serve pressure points while capitalizing on 16 of 41 return pressure opportunities. The fourth-set tiebreak proved to be the turning point, with Mensik dominating 7-1 to force a decider where his superior fitness and determination carried him to victory.
Quinn delivers stunning upset over Griekspoor
In the day's biggest surprise, Ethan Quinn delivered a dominant straight-sets upset over 26th seed Tallon Griekspoor, winning 6-2 6-3 6-2 in convincing fashion. The world No. 80 American was clinical throughout, converting seven of 15 break point opportunities while never allowing the Dutch player to settle into any rhythm. Quinn's return game was particularly impressive, winning 18 of 28 return pressure points while maintaining solid serving with 78% of first serve points won. Griekspoor, who reached the Adelaide semifinals earlier this month, struggled to find his form and could only save two of seven break points faced. The comprehensive nature of Quinn's victory - completed in straight sets without facing a single break point in the final two sets - marked a breakthrough moment for the young American on the Grand Slam stage.
The second round action starts on Wednesday across Melbourne Park's courts. You can follow all the action from Australian Open on TennisRatio.com, including the recent schedule of matches including the advanced H2H analysis for all the pairings.