Novak Djokovic immediately goes to Australian Open quarter-finals without playing

Novak Djokovic’s next opponent has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner was due to play Jakub Mensik in the fourth round on Monday.

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However, Mensik released a statement on Sunday confirming that he has been forced out of the tournament due to injury.

This means that Djokovic will go straight through to the Australian Open quarter-finals without having to step on court.

Mensik wrote on social media: “This is a tough one to write. 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 tomorrow.

“Even though I’m disappointed, making the 4th 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 Thank you to my team for being with me every step, and to everyone sending messages and cheering – it means more than you know. Now it’s time to recover properly.”

Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open

The 24-time grand slam champion made more history at Melbourne Park, with his 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) victory over Botic van de Zandschulp making him the first player ever to record 400 singles wins at the grand slams, while his 102nd triumph in Australia equalled Roger Federer’s mark.

However, he put his place at the Australian Open in jeopardy.

Djokovic carelessly sent a ball flying close to the head of a ball girl at the net.

The 38-year-old was famously disqualified from the US Open in 2020 after hitting a line judge with a ball struck in annoyance, while there have been several other instances where he has risked the same outcome.

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Djokovic held his hands up, saying: “I apologise for that. That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. I was lucky there, and I’m sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody.”

Assessing the match, Djokovic, said: “I relaxed a little bit too much and was in trouble closing out the second set, and pretty much from that moment onwards it was anybody’s game.

“I was really lucky to get out of the set point in the third. Just glad to overcome it in straights.

“It’s been a great start to the tournament. I’m not getting ahead of myself. Last year I learned a lesson, I got too excited too early. I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money.”

He shrugged off any concerns over his ankle, saying: “Thankfully I managed to have a good fall. Things could have been very ugly.”