The Australian Open has been a thrilling event thus far, but it has been laden with a few disappointments too.
After all, we have had plenty of early-season injuries that have hampered players like Joao Fonseca, whilst mid-tournament issues have caused Naomi Osaka to withdraw from her third-round match.
Sadly, another top-level star has followed suit now, gifting Novak Djokovic safe passage into the quarter-finals without playing a fourth-round match.
Jakub Mensik explained why he has pulled out of the Australian Open, and Daniil Medvedev has now reacted to the news.
Daniil Medvedev reacts to Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal
Speaking at his post-match press conference, having been heavily beaten by Learner Tien in three straightforward sets, the Russian was surprisingly upbeat as he chatted with reporters.
However, he was startled to learn the news of Mensik’s withdrawal, asking for more details on the injury.
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He then reacted: “Abdominal. Yeah, that’s super unfortunate. These things happen. I mean, Rafa had to pull out what, I think after semifinal at Wimbledon, so even a bit more unfortunately, not the quarterfinal.
“Who was he supposed to play? Oh, Novak in fourth round. Yeah, unfortunate, that would be a great match. He beat him in Miami.
“These things happen. Only thing, I saw him in the locker room, I had no idea. Only thing I can say, it’s unfortunate for him. He’s a strong guy, super young, so he’ll have his chances more. Hopefully nothing too serious.
“Yeah, he’s a great player, but unfortunate.”
Then asked about how this will benefit Novak Djokovic, he added: “Yeah, it happens, it happens. As I say, did that ever happen in the final? It could. One time in the history, it could. You never know.
“It happens. You can see it in both ways. From one way, of course, no, you’re pretty happy, okay, easy quarters, don’t play the fourth round against a strong guy. This could throw your rhythm a bit off, because now he has three days off before probably strong opponent. I don’t know who he has next. It’s okay. These things happen. Just have to roll on.”
This withdrawal could change everything for Novak Djokovic
The main hurdle that Djokovic has been unable to overcome at the Grand Slam level is the physicality of it all.
After all, at 39 years old, his body has naturally started to slow down.
He can compete with the very best, and reached the semi-finals of all four majors last year. However, he was unable to take that next step and truly challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner across five sets.
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This withdrawal could change that.
He will now face the winner of Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals, players against whom he boasts a combined 20-1 winning record.
With extra rest and far less time on court, this could be Djokovic’s best chance of winning that coveted 25th Grand Slam title.
