Mensik withdraws before Djokovic fourth-round meeting

Jakub Mensik withdrew from the Australian Open because of an abdominal muscle injury, sending Novak Djokovic into the quarterfinals. The Czech player announced the decision after discussions with his team and doctors, explaining that the problem had worsened during his previous matches.

Mensik had reached Melbourne’s fourth round for the first time through a demanding route. His opening victory over Pablo Carreño Busta required five sets, and his third-round success against Ethan Quinn included two tiebreaks and lasted approximately two-and-a-half hours on court.

The withdrawal prevented a rematch of the 2025 Miami final, which Mensik had won for his first Masters title. Djokovic advanced to his sixteenth Australian Open quarterfinal without losing a set and awaited the winner of Lorenzo Musetti’s meeting with Taylor Fritz.