Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after his fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew from their scheduled match due to an abdominal injury. Mensik, a 20-year-old Czech player seeded at number sixteen, had earlier defeated Ethan Quinn in the third round with a close score of 6-2, 7-6 (5), and 7-6 (5). However, Mensik disclosed that he was unable to face Djokovic due to an injury preventing him from competing.
Djokovic, who is a ten-time champion at the Australian Open and aims for both his record-extending fifth title at Melbourne Park and his twenty-fifth Grand Slam trophy, expressed disappointment in the withdrawal but acknowledged how significant the tournament atmosphere had been for Mensik.
“This is a tough one to write,” Mensik shared on Instagram. “After doing everything we could to keep going, I have to withdraw from the Australian Open due to an abdominal muscle injury that has worsened over recent matches.”
Mensik went on to say he would now focus on proper recovery. He expressed pride in reaching the fourth round for the first time, noting how energized he felt by the audience and the special atmosphere at Melbourne Park.
Previously, Djokovic had lost to Mensik in the final of the Miami Open last year. In the quarterfinals, Djokovic will face either American Taylor Fritz or Italian Lorenzo Musetti, with a potential encounter against defending champion Jannik Sinner looming ahead in the semi-finals.