Melbourne, Jan. 20 -- Double defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the second round of the ongoing Australian Open after his French opponent, Hugo Gaston, retired after losing the first two sets 6-2, 6-1 on Saturday.

The Italian star and World No. 2 was in ominous form in his round one match at the Rod Laver Arena court, and after winning the second set, his French opponent retired. Notably, this is Sinner's first competitive match since defeating his arch-rival and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz for the ATP finals crown.

On the other hand, Eighth seed Ben Shelton displayed a sensational performance as he beat Ugo Humbert 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5) in a thrilling battle at the men's singles round one match at Rod Laver Arena.

Austral...