Novak Djokovic’s hopes of a standalone document twenty fifth Grand Slam title have been boosted after his fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew from the Australian Open with an stomach damage.
Djokovic was scheduled to face the 20-year-old Czech throughout Monday’s night session in Melbourne however he’ll now progress straight by means of to the quarter-finals.
He’ll face both fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy or American ninth seed Taylor Fritz within the final eight.
Ought to the rest of the draw go along with seedings, the 38-year-old Serb may then come up towards Jannik Sinner within the semi-finals and world primary Carlos Alcaraz within the closing.
His most up-to-date Grand Slam success got here on the 2023 US Open and he’s at the moment stage with Margaret Court docket on 24 main titles.
Djokovic, who’s but to drop a set at this 12 months’s Australian Open, went out within the semi-finals of all 4 Grand Slams in 2025.
Talking after his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp on Saturday, he mentioned: “[I feel] actually good. It has been a fantastic begin to the match.
“Clearly issues can change. I am not getting forward of myself as a result of final 12 months I discovered a lesson.
“I acquired too excited too early in a number of the Grand Slams, taking part in very well and attending to the quarters and semis, after which getting injured in just about three out of 4 final 12 months.”
