Rome, 17 Jan. (LaPresse) – A bad blow before the start. Matteo Berrettini is forced to miss the 2026 Australian Open. The former world number 6 withdrew at the last minute from the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the season, after cancelling his scheduled press conference on media day. "I'm very sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. I have always enjoyed playing here and feeling your incredible support. Thank you to the tournament for your fantastic organisation and I hope to see you all again very soon," he said. The Roman was due to face Alex De Minaur in a highly anticipated first round match. The Australian, on the other hand, will make his debut against American lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald. The first doubts began on Friday when Berrettini threw in the towel after a match against young Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer at Red Bull Bassline, one of the side events in the Australian Open's Opening Week, like the One Point Slam. Berrettini, who played a key role in Italy's Davis Cup triumph in November, will miss his sixth Slam in the last four years.
© Copyright LaPresse
