Australian Open 2026: Drama aplenty as tennis star quits in tears and career ends after 23 years

There were dramatic scenes at the Australian Open on Tuesday night as Jannik Sinner's opponent was forced to retire hurt in tears, while Aussie qualifier Dane Sweeny produced a stunning upset to end Gael Monfils' career at the grand slam. Sinner was handed a walkover into the second round when opponent Hugo Gaston called it quits after the second set.

The World No.2 and four-time grand slam winner was leading 6-2 6-1 when Gaston retired hurt with an abdominal injury. "I saw that he was not serving with a very high pace, especially in the second set," Sinner said afterwards.

"It's not the way you want to win the match, but he's such a talented player. He has incredible touch, moving very, very well, so I knew starting from the beginning that I had to play a very high level of tennis."

Frenchman Gaston was in tears on his bench after shaking hands with Sinner. The Italian star noticed how shattered Gaston was and walked over to console him.

Dane Sweeny ends Gael Monfils' Australian Open career

Earlier, 24-year-old Aussie Sweeny pulled off a stunning 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 6-4 7-5 victory over much-loved Frenchman Monfils, bringing down the curtain on the 39-year-old's career at the Australian Open. Monfils, who first played the Australian Open as a junior in 2003 and won the boys' title the following year, announced last year that 2026 would be the final season of his career.

Sweeny collapsed to the court in shock when he clinched the victory, before sharing a special moment with Monfils. "Thank you so much," Monfils said during an on-court ceremony.

"I mean, for me, my journey started in 2003 with you guys. Now we are in 2026, and somehow it's the finish line. But thank you so much for this amazing ride. You guys have been unbelievable."

Tennis fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to Monfils, with many congratulating him on his long career. Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley gave the Frenchman a hug in moving scenes.

Sweeny secured his first win at a grand slam and a $225,000 payday. "Win or lose I just wanted to realise how lucky I was," the Aussie said after he had to go through qualifying to make the main draw. "Above all I'm just so grateful to play in front of you guys and compete on the big stage."

Naomi Osaka survives after bizarre suspension

There was also drama in Naomi Osaka's win over Antonia Ruzic. As well as wearing an absolutely iconic outfit onto court, Osaka was rattled when the match was suspended due to a light on the net-posts that couldn't be turned off.

The red light is supposed to turn on when a ball goes out, but was stuck while Ruzic was serving for the second set. Play was suspended for several minutes as both players decided to stop, but it was eventually rectified and Osaka overcame a wobble to advance.

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