Berrettini Withdraws from Australian Open: De Minaur Receives Boost

Alex de Minaur Gets a Boost at the Australian Open: Berrettini Withdraws

The tennis player Alex de Minaur has received great news before his participation in the Australian Open. His initial opponent, Matteo Berrettini, has withdrawn from the tournament and will be replaced by the “lucky loser” Mackenzie McDonald. Berrettini, former world number 6, made the decision to withdraw after being affected by an illness that forced him to abandon an exhibition match at Melbourne Park. The Wimbledon finalist was only able to play one match against Nicolai Budkov Kjaer at the Red Bull Bassline event before withdrawing from the rest of the exhibition matches. Berrettini’s withdrawal from the first Grand Slam of the year was announced on the Australian Open’s social media, without giving details about the Italian’s health condition.

“I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. I have always enjoyed being here and playing here, feeling your incredible support. Thanks to the tournament for its fantastic organization and I hope to see you all very soon,” reads Berrettini’s statements.

Matteo Berrettini

Originally scheduled to face de Minaur, world number 6, Berrettini’s illness adds to a series of physical problems he has suffered after a 2025 season marked by injuries.

This is great news for de Minaur, who had an unfavorable record against Berrettini (2-3). The Australian tennis player will now face McDonald, coming from the qualifying phase as a “lucky loser”. De Minaur has played against McDonald twice, winning both matches. His last victory was in 2022 in Rotterdam. Berrettini represented the first obstacle in a complicated draw for de Minaur, who arrives at his home Grand Slam with his best historical ranking. In the second round, De Minaur could face Argentinian Mariano Navone, number 74 in the world, or Serbian Hamad Medjedovic, in the 96th position. In the third round, American Frances Tiafoe, seed number 29, could be his opponent, with possible matches against Alexander Bublik in the round of 16 and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.