Australian Open
Djokovic reaches the quarterfinals without a fight
Updated on January 25, 2026 – 11:15 amReading time: 1 Min.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has more time to prepare for his next challenge at the Australian Open. His opponent in the round of 16 is injured.
Record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open without a fight. The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star does not have to play in his round of 16 in Melbourne on Monday because his opponent Jakub Mensik (20) withdrew from the tournament.
An abdominal muscle injury had worsened in recent matches, explained the Czech Mensik, according to an X post from the Australian Open.
Djokovic can use this to save energy. The Serb will now face the winner of the duel between the Italian Lorenzo Musetti and the US professional Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals. In the semifinals, Djokovic would be a possible opponent of Italy’s tennis star Jannik Sinner.
Last season, the veteran reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic struggled with physical problems several times. He didn’t make it past the semi-finals and was therefore unable to fulfill his wish of a 25th triumph at one of the four most important tennis tournaments.
After reaching the round of 16 thanks to a three-set win against the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic made a small declaration of war against Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and Sinner, who are currently dominating the tennis scene. “I give the boys a run for their money. I’m still here. Alcaraz and Sinner are the best players in the world. But when you step on the court and the ball rolls, anything can happen,” said Djokovic.
