Former world no.6 Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the 2024 Australian Open due to persistent injury concerns. The 27-year-old, troubled by ongoing issues, particularly on his right foot, has now been absent from four of the last eight Grand Slam tournaments.
Having achieved his highest singles ranking of No. 6 in January 2022, Berrettini has experienced a significant drop to No. 125 in the current rankings. His setback began with an ankle injury during a match against Arthur Rinderknech in the second round of the US Open last year, and despite initial plans for a comeback at the Australian Open, the injury resurfaced, leading to his withdrawal.
Berrettini was scheduled to compete against the No.7 seed, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2022 Melbourne runner-up, in the first-round match at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, January 15.
Meanwhile, Belgium's Zizou Bergs has been named as a substitute for Berrettini. Bergs participated in the first round of the Australian Open last year but faced defeat against Laslo Djere.
Bergs has demonstrated significant potential on the ATP Tour. Starting his tennis journey at the age of three under the guidance of his father, he further refined his skills at the LTA Academy in Belgium by the age of eight.
Turning professional in 2018, Bergs reached a career-best ATP singles ranking of World No. 112 on February 6, 2023. He has also achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 268, reached on November 13, 2023.
Throughout his career, Bergs has showcased his potential through numerous Challenger title victories and a notable Grand Slam debut. Among his significant accomplishments, he won the Ilkley Trophy in 2022 and earned a wildcard entry into Wimbledon, marking his first appearance in a Grand Slam tournament.
The Australian Open 2024 has started from Sunday, January 14, and will conclude with the men's singles final on Sunday, January 28.
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