Matteo Berrettini's Absence: A Boost for Alex de Minaur at the Australian Open
The Australian Open tennis tournament has taken a turn for the better for Alex de Minaur, as his tough first-round opponent, Matteo Berrettini, has unexpectedly withdrawn. Berrettini, a former world No 6, was set to face de Minaur in a highly anticipated match. However, the Italian player announced his withdrawal due to a recurrence of abdomen problems, which had plagued him throughout the 2025 season, causing him to miss the French and US Opens.
In a statement on Instagram, Berrettini expressed his disappointment, saying, "Unfortunately, I’ve felt discomfort in my obliques once again, and I won’t be ready to perform at my best level for five sets. It hurts because playing in Australia is always special, and after four weeks of intense training, I was excited and ready to get going. I’m hoping and feeling that I won’t be out from the tennis courts for a long time."
This news has significantly impacted the tournament's dynamics. Berrettini, who had defeated world No 27 Learner Tien in straight sets at the Kooyong Classic last week, was considered a formidable first opponent for de Minaur. Now, de Minaur, the highest local men's seed in two decades, will face Mackenzie McDonald, an American player who was initially beaten in qualifying but has been called up as a "lucky loser".
McDonald, a respected tour veteran with a career-high ranking of 37, has previously reached the fourth round in 2021 at Melbourne Park. The match between de Minaur and McDonald will take place on Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, the main draw begins on Sunday, with four Australians in action. Adam Walton, for instance, faces the men's top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, in the evening session on Rod Laver Arena.
The tournament's Opening Week, which included qualifying matches, concerts, and the One Point Slam, attracted an impressive 217,999 attendees, almost doubling the previous record of 116,528 set last year. Despite the disappointment of Berrettini's withdrawal, the tournament continues to offer exciting matches and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience for tennis enthusiasts.
