By Harshit
MELBOURNE, JAN. 28, 2026 — Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner believes there are both advantages and risks for Novak Djokovic after the 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the quarterfinals without contesting his fourth-round match at the Australian Open.
Djokovic moved directly into the last eight after Czech teenager Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal muscle injury a day before their scheduled clash. The walkover handed Djokovic an additional day of rest — a scenario Sinner says can cut both ways at this stage of a Grand Slam.
“It Can Help or Break Rhythm”: Sinner
Speaking after securing his own place in the quarterfinals, Sinner was asked whether skipping a round could give Djokovic a decisive edge heading into his next match.
“There are positives and negatives,” Sinner said. “In this sport, it can happen. He always had quite fast matches also. At times, it can break the rhythm a little bit.”
The Italian added that while extra recovery can be valuable in the second week of a major, match sharpness remains crucial.
“At the same time, it can give you a bit more energy than the opponent. It depends.”
Sinner made the comments after defeating fellow Italian Luciano Darderi, setting up a potential semifinal meeting later in the tournament.
Djokovic Faces Musetti on Cooler Melbourne Day
Djokovic’s quarterfinal opponent is Lorenzo Musetti, who arrived at the matchup in strong form. The encounter at Rod Laver Arena comes on Day 11 of the tournament, with significantly cooler conditions following extreme heat that saw temperatures soar above 43°C earlier in the week.
The Serbian, who owns a tournament-record 10 Australian Open titles, is still chasing an elusive 25th Grand Slam crown, something that has escaped him since winning the US Open in 2023.
Semifinal Stakes Rising
The winner of Djokovic vs. Musetti will advance to face either Sinner or American contender Ben Shelton in the semifinals. With Sinner defending his 2025 title and Djokovic seeking history once again in Melbourne, the draw is shaping into one of the most compelling final stretches in recent years.
Djokovic’s free passage into the quarterfinals may yet prove decisive — or disruptive — depending on how quickly he settles into competitive rhythm.