Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has pulled out of the Australian Open 2026 citing a shoulder injury. Vondrousova expressed regret over the decision on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing her health. The tennis player, who clinched her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2023, has faced a series of setbacks, including early exits from tournaments due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, also withdrew from the Australian Open due to abdominal pain. Berrettini, who was scheduled to play against Australian Alex De Minaur, expressed his disappointment at missing the tournament. As a result of Berrettini’s withdrawal, De Minaur will now compete against American player Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.
In another development at the Australian Open, Arthur Fery, a British qualifier ranked 185th globally, caused a major upset by defeating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in the tournament’s opening match. Fery’s victory marked a significant achievement in the early stages of the competition. The 23-year-old player had previously participated in the United Cup, securing a notable win over Stan Wawrinka but narrowly losing to Arthur Rinderknech in a challenging match.
