Italy's Matteo Berrettini withdraws from Australian Open

Italy's Matteo Berrettini withdrew from the Australian Open on Saturday ahead of his scheduled first-round meeting with local favorite Alex de Minaur.

"I'm really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament," said Berrettini, who is dealing with an illness. "I have always enjoyed being and playing here and feeling your incredible support. Thank you to the tournament for their fantastic organization and I hope to see all of you again very soon."

Berrettini, 29, is a 10-time winner on the ATP Tour and a two-time Davis Cup champion who is currently ranked No. 58 in the world. His best performance in Melbourne was a run to the semifinals in 2022.

He was replaced in the draw by Mackenzie McDonald, who will face the sixth-seeded de Minaur in the opening round of the season's first Grand Slam.