One of the most eagerly anticipated first-round matches in the men’s singles at the Australian Open has been called off after Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, ranked world No. 56, withdrew from the tournament due to an undisclosed illness.

Berrettini had been battling to regain full fitness after showing visible discomfort during a Thursday exhibition match at the Kooyong Tennis Club, where he lost 7–5, 6–3 to Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate. He later pulled out of a practice match at Melbourne Park against rising Norwegian prospect Nicolai Budkov Kjær, citing illness, and was racing against time to be fit for his scheduled Monday afternoon clash with home favourite Alex de Minaur on Rod Laver Arena.

The former Wimbledon finalist, who has a history of producing early-round upsets in Melbourne — most notably eliminating Rafael Nadal in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open — officially confirmed his withdrawal on Monday.

“I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament,” Berrettini said in a statement released Saturday evening local time. “I have always enjoyed being and playing here and feeling your incredible support. Thank you to the tournament for their fantastic organisation, and I hope to see all of you again very soon.”

American Mackenzie McDonald, ranked No. 113, has been named the lucky loser and will step into the main draw for the seventh time in eight years at the Australian Open. McDonald was defeated in the final round of qualifying by Canada’s Liam Draxl on Thursday.

McDonald’s best performance in Melbourne came in 2021, when he reached the fourth round before losing to eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev.

De Minaur holds a perfect 3–0 record against McDonald, with their most recent meeting coming in February 2022.