Alex de Minaur's path in the Australian Open has been eased after former world No 6 Matteo Berrettini withdrew from their first-round match due to an abdominal injury. The Italian announced on Instagram that he had felt discomfort in his obliques and would not be ready for a five-set contest, robbing the tournament of its most anticipated opening-round clash.
Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, had been in strong form, defeating world No 27 Learner Tien at the Kooyong Classic last week. However, a recurrence of the abdomen problems that plagued his 2025 season forced him out. De Minaur, the highest local men's seed in two decades, will now face American lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald on Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon.
On the first day of the main draw, Australian Talia Gibson impressed with a 6-1 6-3 victory over 62nd-ranked Anna Blinkova in just 76 minutes. The 21-year-old wildcard, who reached the second round last year, said she is growing more comfortable as an aggressor and that the prize money—at least $225,000 for second-round participants—would greatly support her tour.
Other Australian results included Tristan Schoolkate losing to 32nd seed Corentin Moutet 6-4 7-6(1) 6-3. Later, Adam Walton faced top seed Carlos Alcaraz, while Jason Kubler took on American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe. The tournament's Opening Week attracted a record 217,999 attendees, nearly doubling last year's figure.
