With Christmas behind us and New Year’s Eve just ahead, we’re edging closer to the start of another tennis season.
Tennis fans really don’t have to wait long between seasons, with only a short break before the sport picks back up again.
And while players often bring up how short that break is, it does keep supporters happy most of the year round.
The Australian Open is nearly here, set to kick off the season in style. But one ATP star has already confirmed he won’t be taking part.
David Goffin reveals why he is not playing in the Australian Open
That player is David Goffin, who has now posted on Instagram to explain his decision to skip this year’s tournament.
The Belgian, currently ranked 119th in the world, would have needed to go through qualifiers just to make the main draw.
But with an ongoing injury still bothering him, he’s decided it’s not worth pushing himself just to try and get into the major.
Goffin posted: “Taking a little more time before returning to competition. Some knee discomfort remains, so I’m giving it the time it needs. Thank you for all the support and see you in 2026.”
Carlos Alcaraz won’t mind missing David Goffin at the Australian Open
While no player wishes injury on another, Carlos Alcaraz probably won’t miss having to deal with an unseeded Goffin early on in Melbourne.
Alcaraz is currently 1-2 down in their head-to-head, and the Belgian took their last meeting just this year at the Miami Open.
In that match, Goffin came from a set down to eliminate Alcaraz, making it back-to-back wins over the world number one.
Alcaraz has made it clear how much he wants an Australian Open title, and avoiding players who have recently caused him trouble is only going to help his chances. A smooth start could make a big difference for him this time around.
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