Oblique Injury Forces Berrettini Out of Australian Open: "This Hurts, But I'm Not Ready for Five-Set Matches"

2021 Wimbledon Finalist Berrettini Withdraws from Australian Open with Abdominal Strain – Emotional Instagram Message

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 17/01/2026 à 18h23

1 min to read

Berrettini Matteo

The 2026 season doesn't get off to a positive start for Matteo Berrettini. Plagued by regular injuries, the former world No. 6 was hoping to make his comeback at the Australian Open.

Unfortunately, an abdominal strain forced him to withdraw despite drawing a first-round matchup against Alex de Minaur.

"This withdrawal hurts, but I'm not ready for five-set matches"

A few hours after the announcement, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist shared his thoughts on Instagram:

"As you may have seen, I have withdrawn from the Australian Open. It's never easy to make these kinds of decisions, but unfortunately I felt discomfort in my obliques once again.

I won't be ready to compete at my best in matches that can go five sets. It hurts, because playing in Australia has always been special. After four weeks of intense training, I was excited and ready to take part.

I hope I won't be off the courts for too long. Thank you for your support and understanding – your kind words touch me more than you can imagine. The year isn't starting the way I wanted, but fortunately there's still time to make it better!"