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 belly harm.

Djokovic was scheduled to face the 20-year-old Czech throughout Monday’s night session in Melbourne however he’ll now progress straight by to the quarter-finals.

He’ll face both fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy or American ninth seed Taylor Fritz within the final eight.

The information follows the withdrawal of two-time champion Naomi Osaka on Saturday, whereas others – akin to 2025 winner Jannik Sinner – have struggled within the warmth, which is forecast to rise as excessive as 42C on Tuesday.

Ought to the rest of the draw go along with seedings, 38-year-old Serb Djokovic may then come up towards Sinner within the semi-finals and world primary Carlos Alcaraz within the ultimate.

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 yr’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 stated: “[I feel] actually good. It has been an important begin to the event.

“Clearly issues can change. I am not getting forward of myself as a result of final yr I realized a lesson.

“I acquired too excited too early in a number of the Grand Slams, enjoying rather well and attending to the quarters and semis, after which getting injured in just about three out of 4 final yr.”