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Berrettini Withdraws From Australian Open as De Minaur Draws Lucky Loser McDonald

His decision follows a recurrence of oblique pain he described on Instagram after cutting short an exhibition, extending a run of injury disruptions.

Overview

  • Berrettini pulled out before his scheduled first-round match against Alex de Minaur and was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
  • De Minaur will begin his campaign on Rod Laver Arena on Monday against McDonald, who entered from qualifying.
  • Berrettini said recurring oblique discomfort meant he was not ready for best-of-five play, following intensive training in recent weeks.
  • He retired early from Friday’s Red Bull Bassline event in Melbourne, with local reports attributing the exit to illness.
  • De Minaur leads McDonald 3–0 in their ATP meetings, while Berrettini had held a 3–2 edge over the Australian, who faces a challenging projected path.