Alex de Minaur has received a boost ahead of the Australian Open with the opponent he originally drew for the first round, big-serving Italian Matteo Berrettini, pulling out due to illness.
Australia’s top-ranked men’s player will instead begin his home grand slam against American Mackenzie McDonald, who’s gained entry into the main draw as a lucky loser.
De Minaur and McDonald will square off at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, the second day of the Australian Open.
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Doubt emerged around Berrettini’s availability when the former world No.6, who’s now ranked 56th, retired from an exhibition match against Norwegian rising star Nicolai Budkov Kjaer at Melbourne Park on Friday.
Alex de Minaur. Getty
“I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament,” Berrettini said in a statement.
“I have always enjoyed being and playing here and feeling your incredible support.
“Thank you to the tournament for their fantastic organisation and I hope to see all of you again very soon.”
Berrettini, 29, holds a 3-2 head-to-head edge over de Minaur.
The Italian played in the 2021 Wimbledon final, losing to Novak Djokovic, and had a deep run at the 2022 Australian Open, going down to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
McDonald has a career-best ranking of 37th but is now ranked 113th.
De Minaur has faced the American on two occasions for two wins.
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Mackenzie McDonald. Getty
McDonald, 30, takes Berrettini’s place as a lucky loser after going down in his last qualifying match.
De Minaur reached the quarter-finals of last year’s Australian Open before losing in straight sets to Italian superstar Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion.
“I’m feeling really good,” de Minaur, the world No.6 and the sixth seed, said ahead of this year’s home slam.
“I’m hitting the ball great and I’m physically feeling really good, so I’m excited to get started.
“It’s by no means going to be easy.
“I’m ready for the competition.”