Jakub Mensik withdraws from Australian Open due to abdominal injury with Novak Djokovic getting BYE to quarter-finals

Jakub Mensik took to social media to confirm the frustrating news that he will be withdrawing from the Australian Open ahead of his last-16 clash against Novak Djokovic due to an abdominal injury.

It was set to be a highly anticipated rematch of the Miami Open final, in which the young Czech talent went on to win a hugely unexpected Masters 1000 title over the Serbian. However, this will not be the case with Mensik writing a statement on Instagram confirming the news.

"This is a tough one to write," he began. "After doing everything we could to keep going, I have to withdraw from the Australian Open due to an abdominal muscle injury that has progressed over the last matches. After a long discussion with my team and doctors we decided not to step on court tomorrow."

Albeit this is disastrous news, he was still able to look on the positive side. "Even though I am disappointed, making the fourth 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. Thank you to my team for being with me every step, and to everyone sending messages and cheering - it means more than you know. Now it's time to recover properly."

After coming through a five-set battle against Pablo Carreno Busta, he settled into his tennis and was able to get the better of Rafael Jodar and Ethan Quinn with relative ease. His toughest test by far was set to be a matchup against the 10-time champion Djokovic, but this will not happen.

An empty slot that appeared on Rod Laver has now been filled in by Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton's contest. Djokovic will be afforded a few days rest ahead of his quarter-final clash against the winner of Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.