Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic into quarterfinals after Mensik pullout

Novak Djokovic superior to the Australian ‍Open quarterfinals after his fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew ​on account of an stomach damage on Sunday (January 25, 2026), a ‌day earlier than they had been scheduled to ​meet at Melbourne Park.

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Czech sixteenth seed Mensik got here via a good conflict with American Ethan Quinn 6-2 7-6(5) 7-6(5) on Saturday (January 24), however the 20-year-old mentioned he had been carrying the damage that can forestall him from going through his idol Djokovic.

Djokovic, the ​10-times Australian Open champion, will proceed his quest ⁠for a record-extending Melbourne Park title and a twenty fifth Grand Slam crown to surpass the report he at the moment shares with ​Margaret Courtroom.

“It is a ⁠powerful one to write down,” Mensik mentioned on Instagram.

“After doing every thing we might to maintain going, I’ve to withdraw from the Australian Open on account of ‌an stomach muscle damage that has progressed ‌during the last matches.

“Now, it is time to recuperate correctly.”

“Despite the fact that I am dissatisfied, making the ‍fourth spherical right here for the primary time is one thing I’ll carry with me for a protracted ‍time. I felt a lot vitality from the followers and the environment in Melbourne was actually particular.” Mensik beat Serb Djokovic in final yr’s Miami Open last. Djokovic had taken the teenager underneath his wing just a few years in the past.

“The truth that my match was to be towards Novak on Rod Laver ⁠Area makes it much more troublesome,” Mensik mentioned.

“I am tremendous unhappy to not step onto ​the courtroom and to compete towards my idol and the ⁠G.O.A.T

.” Fourth seed Djokovic will face American Taylor Fritz or Italian Lorenzo Musetti within the final eight, with a possible conflict towards defending champion Jannik Sinner within the semifinals.