Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after his scheduled opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal injury.
Sixteenth-seeded Mensik recorded a 6-2, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) victory over Ethan Quinn on Saturday to set up the Czech’s encounter with the 24-time major champion on Monday. Alas, Mensik took to social media on Sunday to announce that he was bowing out of the match.
“This is a tough one to write,” Mensik, 20, wrote on Instagram. “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.
“After a long discussions with my team and doctors we decided not to step on court (on Monday).
“Even though I’m disappointed, making the fourth round here for the first time is something I will carry with me for a long time. I felt so much energy from the fans and the atmosphere in Melbourne was truly special. Now it’s time to recover properly.”
Djokovic, 38, will face either fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti of Italy or ninth-seeded Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinal round.
–Field Level Media
