Jannik Sinner will face French player Hugo Gaston in the first round of the Australian Open. Currently ranked 93, Gaston previously reached a career-high ranking of 58 in 2022. The two players have met twice in 2021, with Sinner winning both encounters convincingly.
Head-to-Head Record
- First match in Marseille: Sinner won 6-4, 6-1.
- Second match at the Miami Masters: Sinner won 6-2, 6-2.
Known for his strong performance on clay courts, Gaston has enjoyed notable success in this surface type. He achieved his best results in two finals, both of which he lost.
Career Highlights on Clay
- 2021 Gstaad final: Lost to Casper Ruud, 6-3, 6-2.
- 2024 Kitzbühel final: Lost to Matteo Berrettini, 7-5, 6-3.
- Fourth round at Roland Garros 2020: Defeated former champion Stan Wawrinka in the opening round.
Gaston’s rise in tennis began early. Born in Toulouse, he was inspired by his father who is the president of the Fonsorbes Tennis Club. His idols include Rafael Nadal and Fabrice Santoro, who have influenced his playing style.
Signature Playing Style
Hugo Gaston is known for his proficiency with drop shots, a technique he often employs to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm. This skill gained attention five years ago during a Challenger semifinal match in Bergamo, where he executed a remarkable 34 drop shots against Illya Marchenko.
Recent Performances
While Gaston has struggled to maintain consistency over the past few years, he has stayed within the top 100 rankings. His most significant breakthrough came in 2020 when he climbed 82 spots after an impressive run at the French Open.
As Sinner prepares for this early-round clash in the Australian Open, fans and analysts are eager to see if Gaston’s unique playing style and clay court experience will pose a challenge to the emerging star.
