Djokovic into Australian Open quarters as injured Mensik withdraws
Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday without hitting a ball after Czech teenager Jakub Mensik withdrew from their fourth-round clash due to an abdominal injury.
Jakub Mensik, 2025 | © UTS L Tennis Majors
Another withdrawal at the Australian Open, after Naomi Osaka. World number one Novak Djokovic advanced to the AO quarterfinals on Sunday after Czech teenager Jakub Mensik withdrew from the tournament citing an abdominal injury.
The 20-year-old Mensik, who was enjoying a career-best run in Melbourne, announced his decision via social media shortly before their scheduled fourth-round match. The withdrawal ends the prospect of a high-profile showdown between the 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.
Mensik : “everything we could”
“This is a tough one to write,” Mensik told followers 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 progressed over the last matches.”
“Even though I’m disappointed, making the 4th round here for the first time is something I will carry with me for a long time. 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.”
Despite the setback, Mensik exits the year’s first major having reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. The Serbian veteran will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-finals.
Djokovic, who is seeking a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne and 25th Grand Slam title, progresses to the last eight without hitting a ball on Sunday.
Mensik’s departure follows a string of impressive performances that had established him as a breakout player of the tournament. “I felt so much energy from the fans and the atmosphere in Melbourne was truly special,” he said.
