Djokovic Advances: Mensik Injury at Australian Open 2026

MELBOURNE, January 22, 2024 – Novak Djokovic is one step closer to a historic 25th Grand Slam title after his fourth-round opponent, jakub Mensik, withdrew from the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury. This advancement significantly boosts the 38-year-old Serb’s chances in a tournament where he’s yet to drop a set.

Djokovic Advances as Opponent Withdraws

The world No. 1 will move directly to the quarter-finals, avoiding a matchup with the 20-year-old czech player that was scheduled for Monday evening in Melbourne.

• Djokovic will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals.
• This withdrawal follows Naomi Osaka’s earlier exit from the tournament.
• the tournament has seen several players struggle with the intense heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 42C on Tuesday.
• Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam titles at 24.

Djokovic will now face either fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti of Italy or ninth-seeded american Taylor Fritz in the last eight. The news comes after two-time champion Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal on Saturday. Several other players, including 2025 winner Jannik Sinner, have been battling the extreme heat, which is expected to peak at 42C (108F) on Tuesday.

Did you know? – Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, more than any other player. His first title came in 2008, and he has consistently been a dominant force at Melbourne Park.

What are Djokovic’s potential path to the final? Should the tournament unfold according to seedings, Djokovic coudl face Sinner in the semi-finals and world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match.

Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam victory occurred at the 2023 US open, leaving him level with Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles.

Despite a strong start to the 2024 Australian Open, Djokovic experienced setbacks in 2025, falling in the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. Reflecting on his recent performance after his third-round win, he said, “I feel really good. It’s been a great start to the tournament.”

pro tip – Staying hydrated and managing energy levels are crucial in the Australian heat. Players frequently enough utilize ice vests and strategic breaks to combat the extreme temperatures.

He added a note of caution, acknowledging the potential for unforeseen challenges: “Obviously things can change.I’m not getting ahead of myself because last year I learned a lesson. I got to excited too early in some of the Grand Slams, playing really well and getting to the quarters and semis, and then getting injured in pretty much three out of four last year.”

Explanation of Changes & How Questions are Answered:

* Why: Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal injury, giving Djokovic a direct path to the quarter-finals. Djokovic is aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
* Who: Novak Djokovic,Jakub Mensik,Lorenzo Musetti,Taylor fritz,Naomi Osaka,Jannik Sinner,and Carlos Alcaraz are key figures.
* What: Jakub Mensik withdrew from the Australian Open, allowing Novak Djokovic to advance to the quarter-finals without playing his fourth-round match. The article also discusses Djokovic’s potential path to the final and his caution about avoiding injury.
* how did it end?: The article doesn’t have a definitive “end” as it’s a