Alex de Minaur has received an early boost to his Australian Open chances after the withdrawal of his tough first-round opponent, former world No 6 Matteo Berrettini.
Berrettini announced he had suffered a recurrence of the abdomen problems which had plagued his 2025 season, forcing him to miss the French and US opens.
“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,” the Italian posted on Instagram.
“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.”
The news robs the tournament of its most compelling first-round match.
Berrettini had appeared a formidable first opponent for De Minaur, after the former Wimbledon finalist defeated world No 27 Learner Tien in straight sets at the Kooyong Classic last week.
The Australian will now meet Mackenzie McDonald, the American who was beaten in qualifying but now receives a last-minute call-up as a “lucky loser”.
The 30-year-old is a respected tour veteran with a career-high ranking of 37, whose best result at Melbourne Park was reaching the fourth round in 2021.
De Minaur, the highest local men’s seed in two decades, will face McDonald on Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon.
The main draw gets under way on Sunday with four Australians in action.
Adam Walton has been given one of tennis’ toughest tasks in his match against men’s top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, in the evening session on Rod Laver Arena.
Qualifier Jason Kubler meets the American 29th seed, Frances Tiafoe, on John Cain Arena no earlier than 5pm.
Wildcard Talia Gibson is up first on Kia Arena against Anna Blinkova, followed by Tristan Schoolkate and his opponent, the 32nd seed, Corentin Moutet.
The tournament’s Opening Week, featuring qualifying matches, concerts and the One Point Slam, attracted 217,999 attendees. It almost doubled the previous record, 116,528, set last year.
