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Matteo Berrettini, the former world No6, has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after managing just one match on Friday night against Norway's Nicolai Budkov Kjaer. He was compelled to retire early in that encounter due to illness and will therefore not face Alex de Minaur.

His withdrawal comes only hours after Arthur Cazaux also pulled out with an elbow injury. The Italian, a former world No56, had hoped to recover in time for his next match, but illness has ultimately ruled him out. "I'm really sorry to have to withdraw from the Australian Open," Berrettini told the tournament's media. "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."

Mackenzie McDonald has since been announced as De Minaur's new opponent.

Berrettini has endured a long run of physical setbacks throughout his career. Although the reason for his absence from the season's first Grand Slam remains unclear, he had taken part in two exhibition matches in recent days against Learner Tien and Tristan Schoolkate.

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His latest runin with illness adds to a growing list of fitness troubles following an injuryravaged 2025 campaign.

Last year, he was knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open and later forced to retire from the Italian Open due to an oblique injury. He subsequently ruled himself out of both the French Open and the US Open after the same issue flared up again.

De Minaur is embracing the challenge ahead of this year's Open.

"Hey, if it was meant to be easy, everyone would do it so I'm excited for the challenge," he said. "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."