How Did Djokovic Get a Walkover into Quarterfinals?
Synopsis
Novak Djokovic advances to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after Jakub Mensik withdraws due to an abdominal injury. This marks Djokovic's 16th quarterfinal at this prestigious tournament as he pursues his record 25th major title. Fans eagerly await his next opponent, while Mensik reflects on his journey and injury.
Key Takeaways
Novak Djokovic advances to the quarterfinals after Mensik's withdrawal.
Mensik expressed disappointment but is grateful for reaching the fourth round.
Djokovic aims for his record 25th major title.
Mensik's progress in ATP rankings highlights his potential.
Fans eagerly await Djokovic's next opponent.
Melbourne, Jan 25 (NationPress) Novak Djokovic, the illustrious 24-time Grand Slam victor, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after a walkover was granted due to an abdominal injury suffered by the promising Czech player Jakub Mensik, who was forced to withdraw on Sunday.
This withdrawal propels Djokovic into his 16th quarterfinal at the Australian Open, a prestigious event he has clinched a record 10 times.
The much-anticipated fourth-round match was set to be a rematch of the 2025 Miami Open final, where Mensik triumphed, winning his inaugural Masters 1000 title.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mensik stated, “This is a tough one to write. 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,” expressed Mensik, who has now ascended 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Djokovic, who is aiming for his record 25th major title, will face the winner of the upcoming fourth-round match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.
The 38-year-old Serbian has yet to lose a set at Melbourne Park in 2026 and achieved his 102nd match win at the tournament, equaling Roger Federer for the most wins among men following his victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight the resilience displayed by athletes like Jakub Mensik, despite the disappointment of withdrawal. Novak Djokovic's continued dominance in tennis is noteworthy, and his pursuit of a record 25th major adds an exciting dynamic to the tournament. We aim to provide balanced coverage of both players' journeys.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jakub Mensik withdraw from the Australian Open?
Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal muscle injury that worsened during his matches.
How many times has Djokovic won the Australian Open?
Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record 10 times.
Who will Djokovic face in the quarterfinals?
Djokovic will face the winner of the match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.
What rank has Mensik achieved after his performance?
After reaching the fourth round, Jakub Mensik is now ranked 16th in the ATP Live Rankings.
What is Djokovic's current performance at the tournament?
Djokovic has not dropped a set at the Australian Open in 2026.
