Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open quarter-finals on Sunday after his scheduled fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew with an abdominal injury. The match was due to be played on Monday at Melbourne Park.
Mensik Forced to Withdraw
Czech 16th seed Mensik said the injury had worsened over recent matches, forcing him to pull out despite reaching the fourth round for the first time.
“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,” the 20-year-old wrote on Instagram.
Mensik had impressed earlier in the tournament, defeating American Ethan Quinn 6-2 7-6(5) 7-6(5). However, he admitted the withdrawal was especially painful given the opponent.
“The fact that my match was to be against Novak on Rod Laver Arena makes it even more difficult,” he said, adding that he was “super sad not to step onto the court and compete against my idol and the G.O.A.T.”
Djokovic Marches On
Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, continues his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. The Serb had previously been beaten by the youngster in last year’s Miami Open final.
The fourth seed will next face either American Taylor Fritz or Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals.
Leave a comment