The men’s first-round matches at the 2026 Australian Open contain some fascinating matchups. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner are the title favorites, but 10-time winner and last year’s semifinalist Novak Djokovic will try to stop his younger rivals. Some high-profile players also withdrew from the tournament, including two ranked inside the Top 20. This article details who cannot play and names their replacements.
Seven Men Withdraw From Australian Open
Jack Draper was the highest-ranked man to withdraw from the Australian Open. Last year’s Madrid Open runner-up has not played a professional match since the opening round of the US Open in August because of an arm injury. He initially hoped to be ready for the start of 2026, but that has not proven possible. Draper’s new goal is likely to be fit for his BNP Paribas Open defence in March.
Holger Rune was the other Top 20 player to withdraw from the Australian Open. He sustained a severe Achilles injury at October’s event in Stockholm, retiring from his match against Ugo Humbert. That issue is expected to keep him out for several months, and Rune hopes to return this season. Hopefully, his recovery is swifter than many anticipate.
Matteo Berrettini was the latest withdrawal from the season’s opening Grand Slam. The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up made that decision after the draw was made. In a statement, the Italian said he was suffering from pain in his obliques and was not ready to play over five sets. Berrettini has been plagued by injuries in recent years, hindering his chances of becoming a consistent fixture at the top of men’s tennis.
Arthur Fils’s lengthy absence from the ATP Tour will continue at the Australian Open. The talented Frenchman has not played since August’s National Bank Open because of a stress fracture first sustained before his scheduled third-round match against Andrey Rublev at the French Open. Currently, there is no timeline for when he might return to professional action in 2026.
Thanasi Kokkinakis, Emil Ruusuvuori, and Arthur Cazaux were the players who withdrew from the event in Melbourne.
