Staff Reporter.
Injured former top-10 star Matteo Berrettini pulled out of the Australian Open on Sunday on the eve of a blockbuster first-round clash with Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the Australian Open with a right foot injury. He will be replaced in the draw by Zizou Bergs. Wishing you a quick recovery,” organisers said in a statement.
Berrettini had an injury-riddled 2023 season, which was brought to an end when he was forced to withdraw from his second-round match at the US Open after injuring an ankle.
Seventh-seed Tsitsipas, who was beaten in last year’s final by Novak Djokovic, will instead face Belgian lucky loser Bergs.
The 27-year-old, who also missed a few weeks of action in 2023 due to a tear in an oblique muscle, has dropped down to 125 in the men’s rankings.