Tennis Star Pulls Out of Australian Open Hours Before Novak Djokovic Clash

Novak Djokovic's next opponent has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 Australian Open.

Djokovic, 38, arrived in Melbourne, Australia, looking to win his 25th Grand Slam title.

Having played zero tennis heading into the tournament, doubts were raised over Djokovic's form.

However, the concerns quickly evaporated as he dispatched the likes of Pedro Martinez, Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, sealing his place in the last 16.

On Monday, the Serbian was scheduled to face his toughest test yet, against rising star and 16th seed Jakub Mensik.

However, it was confirmed on Sunday that Mensik, 20, has been forced to pull out of the tournament due to injury.

Taking to social media, Mensik wrote: "This is a tough one to write. After long conversations with my team and doctors and after doing everything we could to keep going, I have to unfortunately withdraw from the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury that has progressed over the last matches.

"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."

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Jakub Mensik has pulled out of the Australian Open. Image: Getty

He continued: "Thank you to my family, team and the close ones for being with me every step, and to everyone sending messages and support— it means a lot.

Now it’s time to recover properly. I’ll be doing my best to be back on court soon!"

Mensik had beaten the likes of Pablo Carreno Busta, Rafael Jodar and Ethan Quinn before withdrawing from the competition.

Looking ahead, Djokovic will take on either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final.

If Djokovic manages to win his last eight match, a potential clash against defending champion Jannik Sinner could be on the cards.