Mensik Pulls out of Australian Open Showdown with Djokovic Due to Ab Injury

The injury bug has sapped Czechia’s Jakub Mensik yet again. The 20-year-old pulled out of his looming showdown with Novaki Djokovic in Melbourne, sending the 10-time Aussie Open champion through with a walkover.

“Unfortunate decision to make for me,” Mensik said. “After last couple of matches, I started to feel worse, and actually the problem is my abdominal muscle on the left side. Last few matches it got significantly worse, and I think if I would step on the court tomorrow, it would be such a big risk for me for my next weeks, for my next tournaments, and actually for my health.”

Mensik was riding a seven-match winning streak into the second week in Melbourne, after winning the Auckland title.

“The fact that my fourth-round match was to be against Novak on Rod Laver Arena makes it even more difficult,” he said. “So, of course, I’m super sad not to step on the court and to compete against my idol and the G.O.A.T.

“It’s very tough, reaching fourth round, second week of the Grand Slam for the first time, it’s something that I will take with me, for sure. Of course, I will do my best to come back again and to come back stronger.”