Australian Open 2024: Matteo Berrettini ruled out after foot injury

Listen to Story Italy’s Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the Australian Open 2024 after injury concerns continue to haunt him. The 27 year old sustained an injury on his right foot and has now missed four out of the last eight Grand Slams. Berrettini, who gained his best singles ranking of No.6 back in January 2022, has dropped to No.125 in the rankings.

Berrettini suffered an ankle injury while playing against Arthur Rinderknech in the second round of the US Open last year and was set to make his comeback in the Australian Open. However, the injury returned and he had to pull out. Berrettini was set to face No.7 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, the runners up in 2022 at Melbourne, in the first round match at the Rod Laver Arena on Monday, January 15.

Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, in the meantime, has been named as a replacement for Berrettini. Bergs played in the first round of the Australian Open last year, but lost to Laslo Djere. Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the with a right foot injury. He will be replaced in the draw by Zizou Bergs. Wishing you a quick recovery — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) Bergs has shown considerable promise on the ATP Tour.

He began his journey with tennis at the tender age of three, coached by his father, and by eight, he was honing his skills at the LTA Academy in Belgium. Bergs turned professional in 2018 and has since achieved a career high ATP singles ranking of World No. 112 on February 6, 2023. He also boasts a career high ATP doubles ranking of World No.

268, attained on November 13, 2023. Throughout his career, Bergs has demonstrated his potential by winning several Challenger titles and making his Grand Slam debut. His most notable achievements include winning the Ilkley Trophy in 2022 and securing a wildcard entry into Wimbledon, where he made his first appearance in a Grand Slam tournament..