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Djokovic Advances to Australian Open QFs After Mensik's Injury Withdrawal

Novak Djokovic has moved into the Australian Open quarterfinals without playing a match after his scheduled opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew due to a progressing abdominal muscle injury. Mensik expressed disappointment but cherished his first-ever run to the fourth round at Melbourne Park. Djokovic had earlier secured his fourth-round spot with a straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, demonstrating his trademark composure. The Serbian legend now awaits the winner of the match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz in the next round.

Key Points: Djokovic Gets Walkover to Australian Open Quarterfinals

  • Mensik withdraws with abdominal injury
  • Djokovic receives walkover to QFs
  • Next faces Musetti or Fritz
  • Mensik reflects on special Melbourne run
  • Djokovic showed resilience in prior win
2 min read

Australian Open: Djokovic storms into quarterfinals after Mensik pulls out

Novak Djokovic advances to the Australian Open quarterfinals after Jakub Mensik withdraws with an abdominal injury. Details on the walkover and his next opponent.

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

Melbourne, January 25

Serbian legend and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic gets a walkover into the ongoing Australian Open quarterfinals after Jakub Mensik pulls out with an abdominal muscle injury.

Mensik, who had beaten Djokovic in the Miami Open final last year, cited the injury's progression over recent matches as the reason for withdrawal. Djokovic now faces either fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti or ninth seed Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals.

"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," Mensik said. "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," Jakub Mensik said as per the ATP tour website.

"I felt so much energy from the fans and the atmosphere in Melbourne was truly special," he added.

Mensik had beaten Pablo Carreno Busta in a five-set thriller in the first round and then dispatched Rafael Jodar and Ethan Quinn in straight sets to reach round four.

While Djokovic moved into the fourth round of the men's singles, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4), a match in which the Serbian legend showed his resilience and composure under pressure.

The 24-time world champion won the opening two sets easily before Djokovic was tested by the Netherlands' van de Zandschulp in the third set. During an intense tie-break, Djokovic held his nerve, and an unforced error from his opponent sealed his victory.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's always disappointing when a match doesn't happen due to injury, especially for the fans. But Mensik had a great run, beating Carreno Busta in five sets is no joke. Hope he recovers soon. Djokovic's path to #25 looks clearer now.
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Priya S
As an Indian tennis fan, I just wish we had a player consistently reaching the second week of Slams. Watching these legends is inspiring, but also a bit sad for our tennis scene. Djokovic's mental strength in that tie-break is what separates the greats.
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Vikram M
Respect to Mensik for trying to play through it. Abdominal injuries are brutal for servers. Djokovic is a machine, but let's be honest, these walkovers take away some excitement from the tournament. The quarterfinal better be a classic to make up for it! 🎾
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Rohit P
Djokovic's luck is also a champion's luck. He saves energy while others battle it out. Smart scheduling by the tennis gods maybe? 😄 On a serious note, hope the young Czech player Mensik comes back stronger. He has a bright future.
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Michael C
While I'm a huge Djokovic fan, I have to offer some respectful criticism. The article focuses a lot on him, but Mensik's achievement of a first-time fourth round at a Slam at his age is the real story here. That's the future of tennis. The headline could have reflected that better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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