Novak Djokovic has progressed to the Australian Open quarter-finals without striking a ball after his scheduled opponent withdrew from the tournament.
The Serbian tennis great received a walkover on Sunday when Jakub Mensik announced he would not compete in their fourth-round encounter.
The Czech, seeded 16th at Melbourne Park, pulled out roughly 24 hours before the pair were due to meet during Monday evening's session on Rod Laver Arena.
Mensik had secured his place in the last sixteen by defeating American Ethan Quinn in straight sets on Saturday night, reaching the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
Novak Djokovic is through to the next round of the Australian Open without hitting a ball
|REUTERS
Mensik shared his decision with supporters via Instagram, expressing the difficulty of his announcement.
"This is a tough one to write," the young Czech stated.
"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."
Following consultations with his medical team, the decision was made to prioritise recovery over competition.
Despite his disappointment, Mensik reflected positively on his Melbourne experience, noting that reaching the fourth round for the first time would remain a cherished memory.
Jakub Mensik has announced his exit from the Australian Open
|REUTERS
"I felt so much energy from the fans and the atmosphere in Melbourne was truly special," he added.
Djokovic, now 38, continues his pursuit of a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would see him surpass Margaret Court's tally of 24 major victories.
The Serbian veteran has been in imperious form throughout the fortnight, yet to concede a set in Melbourne.
His most recent major triumph came at the 2023 US Open, with last year proving frustrating as he reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams only to fall short.
The walkover grants Djokovic an additional 48 hours of rest before his quarter-final clash against either Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti or American ninth seed Taylor Fritz.
Jakub Mensik made a statement on social media announcing his withdrawal
|Mensik's withdrawal will have come as a relief to Djokovic, given the Czech youngster defeated him in the Miami Open final last year, a victory that propelled the 20-year-old into the world's top 25.
The Czechian had prepared for Melbourne by claiming another tour title in Auckland.
Should the draw unfold according to seedings, Djokovic could encounter defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, with world number one Carlos Alcaraz potentially awaiting in the final.
Novak Djokovic lost to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final last year
|REUTERS
Mensik becomes the second player in 24 hours to withdraw with an abdominal complaint, following two-time champion Naomi Osaka's exit from her third-round match against Maddison Inglis.