Menšík Withdrawal Sends Djokovic Into Melbourne Quarterfinals

Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open quarter-finals without striking a ball after his last-16 opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew on Sunday due to an abdominal injury.

His withdrawal means Djokovic will play Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti or American ninth seed Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-finals.

“Unfortunate decision to make for me,” said rising star Mensik, who beat American Ethan Quinn in three sets to set up the Djokovic clash.

“I think if I were to step on the court tomorrow, it would be such a big risk for me for the next few weeks, for my next tournaments, and actually for my health.

“The fact that my fourth-round match was to be against Novak on Rod Laver Arena makes it even more difficult,” added the 20-year-old.

“So, of course, I’m super sad not to step on the court and to compete against my idol and the GOAT.”

Djokovic became the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches when he swept past Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets to set up the Mensik match.

The 24-time Slam winner is in good form so far as he bids to shatter the recent dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.