Breaking News: Wimbledon Finalist Matteo Berrettini Withdraws from Australian Open! Tennis fans, get ready for a twist! Just hours after a hard-fought match, Italian star Matteo Berrettini has been forced to pull out of the Australian Open. This shocking news has sent ripples through the tennis world, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what happened.
On Friday night, Berrettini played against Norway's Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, but unfortunately, he had to retire early due to illness. This unfortunate turn of events means he will not be able to compete against Alex de Minaur, leaving many disappointed. The announcement came at 09:55, Sat, Jan 17, 2026, with an update at 09:57, Sat, Jan 17, 2026.
Adding to the drama, Arthur Cazaux also withdrew due to an elbow injury. Berrettini, a former world No. 6, had hoped to recover in time for his next match, but his illness ultimately prevented him from participating. He expressed his regret, saying, "I'm really sorry to have to withdraw from the Australian Open. I've always loved playing here and feeling your incredible support. Thank you to the tournament for its fantastic organization and I hope to see you all very soon.”
But here's where it gets controversial... Berrettini's withdrawal adds to a growing list of physical setbacks he's faced throughout his career. While the exact reason for his absence from the season's first Grand Slam remains unclear, it's worth noting that he participated in two exhibition matches recently.
This latest setback follows an injury-plagued 2025 season. Last year, he was knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open and later had to retire from the Italian Open due to an oblique injury. This same issue also forced him to withdraw from both the French Open and the US Open.
In a turn of events, Mackenzie McDonald has been announced as De Minaur's new opponent. De Minaur seems to be embracing the challenge, stating, "Hey, if it was meant to be easy, everyone would do it so I’m excited for the challenge. Yeah super happy, very excited to get started and we're just around the corner. So hopefully I can put on a show for you guys."
What do you think? Do you believe Berrettini's history of injuries is a major concern? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you expect this from Berrettini? Let's discuss!
