Berrettini Withdraws from Australian Open Clash Against De Minaur
Matteo Berrettini has officially withdrawn from the Australian Open, significantly impacting the tournament’s first-round matchups. The Italian player was set to compete against Australian Alex de Minaur but has pulled out due to illness. As a result, Berrettini has been replaced by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
Berrettini’s Withdrawal Details
The announcement of Berrettini’s withdrawal came through the Australian Open’s social media channels. The former world No. 6 expressed regret over not being able to participate.
- Quote from Berrettini: “I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament.”
- Berrettini highlighted his enjoyment of playing in Australia and thanked the tournament organizers.
Prior to his decision, Berrettini had a limited appearance at an exhibition match in Melbourne, where he only played one match against Nicolai Budkov Kjaer before retiring. This withdrawal continues a challenging trend for the Italian, who has faced numerous fitness issues recently.
Impact on De Minaur
For Alex de Minaur, the withdrawal presents a significant competitive advantage. De Minaur previously faced Berrettini five times, trailing 3-2 in their head-to-head encounters. Now, he will compete against McDonald, a player he has defeated in both their previous encounters.
Future Matchups for De Minaur
After McDonald, de Minaur could face several notable opponents in the tournament:
- Argentina’s Mariano Navone (world No. 74)
- Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic (world No. 96)
In the potential later rounds, de Minaur might encounter:
- 29th seed Frances Tiafoe in round three
- Alexander Bublik, known for being a tough opponent, in the fourth round
- Top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals
Berrettini’s absence is a considerable loss for the tournament, as he has struggled with injuries over the past few years, missing seven Grand Slams in the last four. The 30-year-old was able to make a recent comeback, contributing to Italy’s Davis Cup victory in November.
This year’s Australian Open marks an opportunity for de Minaur, who enters the tournament with his best seeding to date. The changes in the first-round lineup could pave the way for an exciting run for the Australian player.
