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Djokovic Advances to Aus Open QFs as Mensik Withdraws with Injury

Novak Djokovic received a walkover into the Australian Open quarterfinals after his fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew due to a progressing abdominal muscle injury. Mensik, who defeated Djokovic in the 2025 Miami Open final, expressed his disappointment but cherished his first run to the fourth round in Melbourne. Djokovic, pursuing a record 25th major title, has not dropped a set this tournament and has equaled Roger Federer's record for most men's match wins at the Australian Open. He will next face the winner of the match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.

Key Points: Djokovic Gets Walkover to Australian Open Quarterfinals

  • Mensik withdraws with abdominal injury
  • Djokovic gets walkover to 16th AO QF
  • Rematch of 2025 Miami Open final cancelled
  • Djokovic equals Federer's AO win record
  • Next faces Musetti or Fritz
2 min read

Aus Open: Djokovic gets walkover into quarterfinals after Mensik withdraws with injury

Novak Djokovic advances to the Australian Open quarterfinals after Jakub Mensik withdraws due to an abdominal injury. Get the details.

"After doing everything we could to keep going, I have to withdraw... due to an abdominal muscle injury - Jakub Mensik"

Melbourne, Jan 25

The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic received a walkover in the fourth round of the Australian Open after an abdominal injury forced rising Czech star Jakub Mensik to withdraw on Sunday.

Mensik withdrawal means Djokovic advanced to his 16th quarterfinal at the Australian Open, a tournament he has gone on to win a men's record 10 times.

Their highly anticipated fourth-round clash was a rematch of their 2025 Miami Open final, which Mensik won to hoist his first Masters 1000 trophy.

"This is a tough one to write," Mensik wrote in a post to 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 progressed over the last matches. After a long discussion with my team and doctors, we decided not to step on court tomorrow."

"Even though I'm disappointed, making the fourth round here for the first time is something I will carry with me for a long time," said Mensik, who rises to 16th in the ATP Live Rankings.

"I felt so much energy from the fans and the atmosphere in Melbourne was truly special. Thank you to my team for being with me every step, and to everyone sending messages and cheering - it means more than you know. Now it's time to recover properly," the post read.

Djokovic, who is pursuing his record 25th major trophy, will face the winner of Monday's fourth-round match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.

The 38-year-old Serb is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park in 2026 and notched his 102nd match win at the tournament, equalling Roger Federer for the most among men after his victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
So disappointing for the fans who bought tickets for that match. Mensik's withdrawal post was very classy though. Wishing him a speedy recovery. The tournament loses a bit of excitement when a potential giant-killer pulls out.
P
Priya S
Novak's luck is just unreal sometimes! 😄 Equalling Federer's record of 102 wins is massive. As an Indian tennis fan, we never had a champion like this, so it's a privilege to watch his longevity. Hope he faces Fritz next, that would be a great match.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Mensik for making the smart decision. Playing injured can ruin a career. Health is wealth, as we say. Now, all eyes on Novak. The way he's playing, not dropping a set... looks like the trophy is coming to Belgrade again.
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Vikram M
While I'm a huge Djokovic fan, I have to say the tournament schedule is brutal. Young players like Mensik pushing their bodies so hard leads to these injuries. The ATP needs to look at the calendar, especially for the rising stars.
K
Karthik V
102 wins, equalling Federer! What a stat. Mensik will be back stronger. For now, Novak's path gets slightly easier. Hope we get a Djokovic vs Alcaraz final, that's the dream match for any tennis lover in India watching at 2 PM! ☕

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