Former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini withdrew from his opening match at the Australian Open due to an oblique injury, the same issue that forced him to miss the French Open and the US Open last season.
“I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament,” he outlined in a social media post released by the AO. “I have always enjoyed being and playing here and feeling your incredible support.
“Thank you to the tournament for their fantastic organization, and I hope to see all of you again very soon.”
The 29-year-old’s last-minute announcement came ahead of a much-anticipated first-round match at the season’s first major.
The Roman-born was scheduled to meet home hero Alex de Minaur; instead, world No. 113 Mackenzie McDonald will replace the Italian in the draw.
In his Instagram account, Berrettini further wrote: “As you probably saw, I had to pull out from the AO; it’s never easy to take this kind of decision, but unfortunately, I’ve felt discomfort in my obliques once again, and I won’t be ready to perform at my best level for 5 sets.
“I’m hoping and feeling that I won’t be out of the tennis courts for a long time…”
On Friday night, he retired from an exhibition match promoted by one of his sponsors at Melbourne Park due to illness.
Furthermore, over the last few years, a series of injuries has prevented the former world number six from delivering his best tennis with consistency.
Currently ranked at world No. 56, Berrettini continues to struggle to be 100 percent fit.
However, last November, he made a brilliant run in Bologna, playing a key role in Italy’s Davis Cup triumph over Spain to claim a historic third consecutive title at the men’s World Cup of tennis, the country’s fourth Davis Cup crown overall.
“The year didn’t start in the way we all wanted, but luckily, there is still time to make it better! he added.
Main draw action at the Australian Open runs from January 18th to February 1st in Melbourne.