Overview: Berrettini Withdraws, Altering the First-Round Landscape
The anticipation around the opening rounds of the tournament received a notable shakeup when Matteo Berrettini pulled out of his scheduled first-round match. The Italian star cited illness as the reason for withdrawing, a development that immediately affects the draw and, more specifically, the Australian contender Alex de Minaur.
When Is Alex de Minaur Playing Now?
With Berrettini no longer in the mix, the schedule for Alex de Minaur’s first-round clash has shifted. While the exact timing can vary by day and court assignment, de Minaur’s position in the bracket suggests a likely move into the spotlight on the match court earlier in the session. Tournament organizers typically finalize a revised timetable the day before he is due to play, and fans should check the official schedule or the tournament app for the latest court and start time.
For de Minaur fans, the absence of Berrettini potentially reduces a difficult early test. While Berrettini’s withdrawal changes the bracket, de Minaur still faces a high-quality opponent in the first round—one that is capable of challenging any competitor on a big stage. The Australian’s game—built on quick movement, flat groundstrokes, and aggressive returns—will be focused on exploiting any rust or uncertainty from the new opponent as the match gets underway.
What Berrettini’s Withdrawal Means for the Draw
Berrettini’s exit opens a new window of opportunity for de Minaur. It removes a top-tier test from the opening round and could shift the trajectory of the early rounds, potentially making a smoother path for de Minaur to advance to the second round. Analysts will be watching how a reshuffled draw influences not just de Minaur’s next opponent, but the overall momentum of the top-half and bottom-half dynamics as the tournament unfolds.
Despite the absence of Berrettini, the rest of the field remains formidable. De Minaur will still need to maintain a high level of intensity, adjust to any last-minute schedule changes, and manage the pressure that comes with early-round expectations. The first round is often a chess match of strategy and rhythm, and de Minaur has repeatedly shown the ability to find a rhythm quickly when the ball is in play.
What This Means for De Minaur’s Season Trajectory
For de Minaur, a successful start in the tournament can set a positive tone for the rest of the season. The confidence gained from navigating a slightly easier draw, combined with his hard-court speed and tactical variety, can be a meaningful step forward. The Australian has consistently demonstrated resilience in the big moments, and a clean first-round win would be a meaningful foundation as he eyes deeper rounds and potential upsets against the stiff competition in the draw.
How to Catch the Action
Fans hoping to watch or stream the match should consult the official broadcaster listings and the tournament’s website for precise start times and court assignments. Live scores and updates are typically available in real-time, with post-match analysis highlighting the adjustments de Minaur makes against his opponent. As with any grand slam or major event, last-minute schedule shifts are always possible, so staying tuned to official channels is the best practice.
Bottom Line
Matteo Berrettini’s illness withdrawal reshapes the first round for Alex de Minaur, offering a slightly more favorable scenario to advance to the second round. While the exact start time remains to be confirmed by organizers, de Minaur’s readiness and tactical clarity will be the key factors as he steps onto the court. A strong start could set the tone for a competitive run through the early rounds and beyond.
