Fils withdraws from the Australian Open due to injury; draws for two WTA warm-up events released

With the 2026 Australian Open drawing near, the tennis community faces more disappointing news. After British prospect Draper, another promising young talent—French player Fils—has announced his withdrawal from this year’s Australian Open because his back stress fracture has not healed.

Fils revealed in his statement that despite feeling well currently, the injury demands considerable work to regain top performance. “The timing for the Australian Open is a bit tight,” he explained, “and I prefer to return to the court at 100%.” His last competition was at the Toronto Masters in August 2025, and this lengthy break has only increased fans’ anticipation for his comeback.

It has been disclosed that Fils is expected to return to competition at the Montpellier tournament held from February 2 to 8, which he confirmed entering last month. For this rising star, carefully choosing the right moment to come back clearly reflects a long-term career strategy.

The Australian Open will kick off on January 18, with players seeking to find their rhythm through warm-up tournaments. Currently, the draws for two WTA warm-up events have been announced, promising exciting matchups ahead.

The Auckland tournament’s first round already features several key battles: Chinese player Wang Xinyu, seeded seventh, will face McNally, while American star Serena Williams is set to play against fifth seed Linette. Fourth seed Jil Teichmann will go up against Vekic.

The Brisbane event is equally captivating: the opening match between Kasatkina and Potapova draws attention, and Pliskova’s return to competition is highly anticipated. Potential semifinal clashes have also emerged: top seed Sabalenka may meet third seed Rybakina, while second seed Anisimova could face fourth seed Pegula for a spot in the final. These encounters serve as thrilling previews for the Australian Open.

As the countdown to the Australian Open’s start continues, players’ form tuning and physical management become crucial. Fils’ withdrawal serves as a reminder that amid a packed schedule and intense competition, health remains the athlete’s most valuable asset. Meanwhile, those set to appear in the warm-up events are using every shot to prepare for the summer spectacle at Melbourne Park.

The tennis season is about to turn the page to its first Grand Slam of 2026. Although some notable names will be absent, the court will never lack new stories and rivalries. Let us look forward to an exciting 2026 season!(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)