Just as the Australian Open roars to life, misfortune has once again found Matteo Berrettini. The Italian hopeful, plagued by injuries throughout 2022 and 2023, has bowed out of the Melbourne major with a right foot injury, dashing hopes of a first-round showdown with reigning runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
This latest setback is a cruel twist for Berrettini, who has battled a relentless string of physical woes in recent years. Last year, his Australian Open hopes were dashed by Andy Murray in a heart-stopping five-set marathon, while Roland Garros was lost to an abdominal issue. Wimbledon offered a glimmer of hope with a quarterfinal run, but that triumph was marred by a second-round US Open retirement due to a ruptured ankle ligament.
The 27-year-old, who once flirted with the top five in the rankings, has tumbled to No. 125 as his fitness struggles continue. He missed both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2022, the former due to a hand injury and the latter to a bout with COVID-19.
Berrettini's withdrawal leaves Stefanos Tsitsipas with a first-round reprieve, facing lucky loser Zizou Bergs instead. But for the talented Italian, the quest for a healthy return to form remains an uphill battle.
