Novak Djokovic Advances to Australian Open Quarterfinals Without Playing

Published on January 25, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Novak Djokovic on the Rod Laver Arena court during the Australian Open, with a focused expression.

Novak Djokovic Advances to Quarterfinals in Australia Without Playing

The Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic secures a direct pass to the next stage of the year's first Grand Slam. His opponent withdrew from the tournament just before stepping onto the court, granting him an unexpected advancement. 🎾

An Opponent Withdraws at the Last Minute

The Australian Open organization announced that Jakub Mensik would not be able to compete. The 19-year-old Czech player suffered a physical issue that prevented him from starting the scheduled match at Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic, aiming for his eleventh title in Melbourne, did not have to execute a single shot in this round.

Key details of the event:
  • Mensik had just eliminated Félix Auger-Aliassime in the previous round.
  • The withdrawal was announced minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • Djokovic conserves all his physical energy for the decisive matches ahead.
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle in a Grand Slam is not the draw, but the injury of a talented opponent.

The Path to the Semifinals Clears Up

With this automatic advancement, the Serbian now awaits to find out who his next opponent will be. The winner of the matchup between Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Djokovic in the quarterfinals. This forced break gives him a tactical advantage by allowing him more rest.

Context of Djokovic's career:
  • He is attempting to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 individual Grand Slam titles.
  • Each advancement in Melbourne brings him closer to that historic goal.
  • He accumulates progress in the Australian tournament in all possible ways.

A Rest Worth Gold

In the final stage of such a demanding championship, preserving the body is crucial. This unforeseen event gifts Djokovic a valuable extra rest while his potential rivals must wear themselves out on the court. The Serbian thus prepares for the challenges ahead, with his eyes set on winning another title in Melbourne. 🏆