Matteo Berrettini’s preparations for the Australian Open have taken another hit, with fresh concerns emerging about his health just days before his showdown with local favourite Alex de Minaur. The Italian star withdrew early from an exhibition match at Melbourne Park after falling ill, adding uncertainty to his first round prospects.
The former world number six managed only a single match against Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer at Red Bull Bassline before retiring. His sudden exit comes on the heels of a difficult 2025 season marked by repeated injuries and disrupted momentum.
Berrettini’s recent record reflects a string of setbacks. He exited last year’s Australian Open in the second round, then retired from the Italian Open due to an oblique injury. A recurrence of the same problem forced him to skip both the French Open and the US Open.
Now ranked 56th, the 30 year old has missed seven grand slams in four years, a stretch that has tested his resilience. Even so, he managed to return late last season and delivered a crucial performance in Italy’s Davis Cup triumph, a reminder of the level he can reach when healthy.
His latest health scare raises questions about whether he can withstand the demands of a major tournament, especially against a high energy opponent like de Minaur. Fans will be watching closely as the opening round approaches.
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