- Matteo Berrettini withdraws from Australian Open.
- He missed chance for first-round clash with Tsitsipas.
- Bergs was named lucky loser replacement for Berrettini.
Due to a right foot ailment, 27-year-old Berrettini was forced to withdraw from the 2024 first slam.
Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the #AusOpen with a right foot injury. He will be replaced in the draw by Zizou Bergs. Wishing you a quick recovery @MattBerrettini #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/XTe46zue2h
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2024
One of the most fascinating first-round matchups at the Australian Open this year is expected when Berrettini is paired against Stefanos Tsitsipas, a fellow Grand Slam finalist.
But now, as a fortuitous substitution, Belgian Zizou Bergs will take the field against the Greek player.
For more than a year, Berrettini has struggled with ongoing ailments. When he traveled to Melbourne in 2024, there were expectations for his rehabilitation even if he had originally withdrawn from the Brisbane International. Many assumed he wouldn't make such a long travel just to pull out of the first-round match, so they expected him to be ready.
In line with Rafael Nadal, Berrettini has withdrawn from the competition due to a right foot injury, according to the official announcement from the event organizers.
With an eye on a quick return to action, the Italian is now concentrating on his recovery. His favorite part of the season is still a long way off, so he has plenty of time to heal before the grass-court phase begins.
The Italian is replaced in the main draw by the lucky loser Zizou Bergs, which puts Tsitsipas in a more manageable matchup. The Greek player has also struggled with injury since the start of the 2024 season.
After Coco Gauff vs. Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, this match will be the second event of the day session on Day 2 at the Rod Laver Arena.
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