Mensik Withdrawal Advances Djokovic to 2026 Australian Open Quarterfinals

Morgan Winslow

Published: January 27, 2026 1:25 PM ET

Mensik Withdrawal Advances Djokovic to 2026 Australian Open Quarterfinals

At the 2026 Australian Open, young talent Mensik made a significant mark by reaching the fourth round for the first time. His journey to this milestone included a challenging five-set victory over Pablo Carreno Busta and a tense match against American Ethan Quinn, which he won after enduring two tiebreak sets.

Despite his eventual exit, Mensik expressed pride in his performance. “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,” he stated. His efforts earned him a rise to 16th in the ATP Live Rankings, reflecting his growing status in the tennis world.

In his post-match comments, Mensik acknowledged the support of his fans and team. He said, “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.”

Djokovic’s Continued Dominance

Noah Djokovic continued his impressive run at the Australian Open, advancing to his 16th quarterfinal at the tournament. The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star has an unparalleled record, having won the men’s title ten times. His latest victory over Botic van de Zandschulp marked his 102nd match win at the Australian Open, tying him with Roger Federer for the most wins in men’s history.

Djokovic remains unbeaten at Melbourne Park in 2026, having yet to drop a set. He now awaits the winner of the fourth-round match between high-ranked players Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.