The draw for the 2026 Australian Open has been weakened by Matteo Berrettini's withdrawal from the season's opening Grand Slam.
Berrettini has been plagued by various injuries in the past few years. Some think the huge-serving Italian could have consistently been near the top of the ATP Tour if his body had not broken down so consistently.
His most significant issue in 2025 was an oblique injury sustained during the clay-court swing, which ruled him out of the French Open. Berrettini has not played at Roland-Garros since 2021 because of various physical problems.
Despite playing tournaments since last year's French Open, the oblique ailment has not entirely gone away. In an Instagram story, Berrettini confirmed that discomfort in that area is the reason for his Australian Open withdrawal.
"As you probably saw, I had to pull out of the AO. It's never easy to take these kinds of decisions, 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."
"It hurts because playing in Australia has always been special, and after four weeks 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. Thanks a lot for your support and understanding, your kind words mean more than you can imagine..."
Supportive messages do help players through physical problems, especially when they are so persistent, as is the case for Berrettini. The former Wimbledon runner-up deserves better luck, and hopefully that will come after this latest recovery.
Novak Djokovic seems ready for the 2026 Australian Open despite worrying practice session
38-year-old Novak Djokovic has not hidden that Grand Slams are what matter most to him at this late stage of his career. The tennis legend is just one title away from a 25th Major, which would make him stand alone with the most of any male or female singles player.
Many already acknowledge Djokovic as the best player in tennis history, but moving from being tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slams to the most ever would still be a massive moment if it occurred.
Djokovic was set to play at the 2026 Adelaide International, but withdrew because he was not ready to compete so soon after the off-season. He did that to be in the best shape possible for the Australian Open.
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Some fans were concerned when Djokovic was in pain during a practice session and cut it short. At this late stage of his career, such niggles are more likely to cause a withdrawal than when he was younger and could worry less about them.
Thankfully, Djokovic did not seem concerned about anything when he spoke to the media in interviews and in his pre-tournament press conference. The Serbian thinks he can fight with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the title.
Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in 2025 but struggled physically from that point onward. He will hope to be stronger at that stage, if he gets there, this season.
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