Hugo Gaston: Sinner’s First-Round Opponent at Australian Open
French tennis player Hugo Gaston will be the first-round opponent for Jannik Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open. Currently ranked 93rd in the ATP rankings, Gaston previously achieved a career-high ranking of 58 in 2022.
Head-to-Head History Against Sinner
Gaston has faced Sinner twice, both encounters occurring in 2021. In their first match, held in Marseille, Gaston managed only five games, losing 6-4, 6-1. Their second meeting was at the Miami Masters 1000, where Gaston fared even worse, winning just four games in a 6-2, 6-2 defeat.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Height: 173 cm
- Preferred surface: Clay
- Notable shot: Drop shot
Despite his shorter stature, Gaston excels on clay courts, which aligns with his greatest successes. His win percentage on this surface is 59%.
Career Highlights
Gaston reached two finals on clay: the first in Gstaad in 2021, where he lost to Casper Ruud, and the second in Kitzbühel in 2024, when he was defeated by Matteo Berrettini. His best Grand Slam performance came at the 2020 French Open, where he advanced to the fourth round after astonishingly defeating former champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round.
Rise through the Rankings
Gaston entered the 2020 Roland Garros as a wild card, seeded 239th, and climbed 82 places in the rankings after his impressive performance, finishing the tournament as the 157th player in the world. Despite his initial success, he struggled to maintain momentum over the following years, yet he has remained within the top 100 for the last three years.
Background and Inspirations
Navigating through the rank and file of tennis since a young age, Gaston began his career influenced by his father, the president of the Fonsorbes Tennis Club. He idolizes Rafael Nadal, while his playing style has drawn inspiration from fellow Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.
Personal Life
Gaston has been in a relationship with Laetitia Espagnet since 2020. Known for removing rhythm from opponents’ play through his effective drop shots, Gaston gained popularity five years ago when he showcased his skills against Illya Marchenko during a Challenger semifinal, where he delivered 34 drop shots.
The upcoming match against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open will be a crucial test for Gaston as he seeks to affirm his place among the elite in tennis.
