Novak Djokovic received a walkover into the Australian Open quarter-finals after Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal injury. The 16th-seeded Czech, who had just reached his first Grand Slam fourth round, announced his withdrawal on Instagram, stating the injury had progressed during his previous match.

This unexpected development provides a significant physical boost for Djokovic, who has been conserving energy by skipping practice sessions. The 38-year-old has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and now gains an extra day's rest before his quarter-final, where he will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz.

Mensik's withdrawal continues a trend of injuries affecting the women's draw, following Naomi Osaka's earlier exit. For Djokovic, the walkover is a timely reprieve as he chases a record 25th major title, a goal that has become more challenging in recent years due to physical limitations in later tournament stages.