In cotton to Melbourne
We review the list of some players who are reaching the limit of this first Grand Slam of the season. Will there be any more last-minute withdrawals?
Tomorrow kicks off the 2026 Australian Open with 128 players in each draw, although the reality is that there are some tennis players who raise certain doubts about their form. It’s only fair to warn you in case they fall sooner than expected.
If we were to write this article the day before each Grand Slam, surely many people would thank us. However, from the first paragraph, we warn you that what you are about to read is a mix of information and impressions. Before this 2026 Australian Open begins, let's highlight a series of names that could arrive in Melbourne with just enough energy. Considering that in the last few hours we have seen Arthur Cazaux and Matteo Berrettini pull out, who knows if others could join them in the next hours.
Players Arriving 'Injured' at the 2026 Australian Open
GAEL MONFILS
Let's see, the situation with the Frenchman seems to be a recurring theme throughout his career, so at 39 years old, it is normal for everything to be accentuated a bit more. He started the season by losing in the first round of Auckland against Marozsan, in a very tough three-set match, where he mentioned that he was still dealing with some discomfort that prevented him from reaching the next level. Far from his best physical condition, he at least confessed to feeling mentally good, which is very necessary in 2026, as he will hang up his racket after two decades at the top level. "I have some discomfort that I have to be careful with," he noted before facing Australian Sweeny in the first round.
TAYLOR FRITZ
The case of the American can be compared to a balloon that inflates to the maximum and, unable to maintain that same pressure all the time, gradually loses strength. The American is still in the top 10, but it is true that he no longer instills the same fear, perhaps due to the knee tendinopathy that doesn't allow him to soar as he did at certain moments in the past two seasons. The most important thing is that he is healthy, but the problem is that this condition was not met in the last month, hence his results have not been as expected. "I try not to push myself too hard, I couldn't play many points," he stated at the United Cup after losing three out of four matches. His first-round opponent in Melbourne will be Valentin Royer.
JOAO FONSECA
A great mystery surrounds the Brazilian after his confession a week ago. "I have a chronic back injury that has been with me since the day I was born," Joao said after announcing that he would not play in Adelaide. He had also been absent in Brisbane, so we are still waiting to see him debut in 2026. People are eager to see him at Rod Laver Arena for the first time as a seed in a Grand Slam tournament. However, we also know that at 19 years old, he will not take any unnecessary risks. "I don't want to rush, I know I have 15 years of career ahead of me," he emphasized maturely. Elliot Spizzirri would be his first-round opponent.
CASPER RUUD
The case of the Norwegian is quite unique, as multiple factors come into play. Firstly, this tournament has never really smiled upon him, whether due to the conditions or how early it falls in the calendar. This doesn't mean he can't win on fast courts; his track record proves he can perform well. However, everything gets a bit more complicated for him in Melbourne. Additionally, there is his imminent fatherhood, which could happen in the midst of the event. "Hopefully, the baby can wait, and I can finish the tournament, because if I get the call, I will leave instantly," Casper stated. These are different reasons, but certainly significant enough to cast doubt on his long-term participation.
Apart from these four examples, there is also room to mention some names that were forced to withdraw from one of the tournaments held in the last two weeks, whether in Brisbane, Adelaide, or an exhibition event. We are talking about cases like Corentin Moutet, Emilio Nava, Kyrian Jacquet, Matteo Arnaldi, Raphael Collignon, Lorenzo Musetti, or Jiri Lehecka. We emphasize that if they truly had an injury, it would have been announced hours ago. But being unable to compete is one thing, while arriving slightly injured to an event where just playing the first round earns you a $100,000 check is another. We will see how far each one goes.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Estos son los jugadores que llegan entre algodones a Melbourne