Novak Djokovic is set to return to the court on Saturday for his third-round match at the Australian Open against Botic van de Zandschulp. Alongside him, rising stars Jakub Mensik and Ethan Quinn are also vying for advancement into the tournament’s later stages.
Despite being a 24-time major champion and holder of 10 Australian Open titles, Djokovic’s profile this tournament appears to be somewhat understated, overshadowed by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as favorites. This was evident in Djokovic’s seamless progression through the first two rounds, where he secured victories over Pedro Martinez and Francesco Maestrelli without dropping a set.
Djokovic, now 38 years old, recognizes the potential threat posed by his upcoming opponent, Van de Zandschulp. Although the Dutch player is ranked 75th and has shown inconsistency in his game, he has previously achieved notable upsets, including victories over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 U.S. Open and Rafael Nadal in his final match. Van de Zandschulp also handed Djokovic a defeat last spring at Indian Wells, but it’s worth noting that Djokovic has triumphed over him convincingly in their previous encounter in Astana in 2022, winning 6-3, 6-1. Van de Zandschulp’s recent form includes wins over Brandon Nakashima and Jerry Shang, suggesting he is capable of competing well, but the Australian Open has historically been Djokovic’s stronghold, and he is likely motivated by the previous loss.
In the second match spotlight, Ethan Quinn has generated significant buzz following impressive performances in the first two rounds, where he dismantled No. 23 seed Tallon Griekspoor and former standout Hubert Hurkacz. Quinn’s remarkable run is underscored by his elevated status in this tournament, marking a pivotal moment in his young career.
He is set to face Jakub Mensik, who has bested him in their prior encounters. Mensik has also kicked off the season strongly, securing a title in Auckland and making strides in the Australian Open by defeating Pablo Carreno Busta and Raphael Jodar. However, the challenges of his intense schedule this season could impact his stamina, especially after a demanding five-set match against Carreno Busta. With temperatures expected to soar, Quinn’s momentum could give him the advantage in what promises to be a tightly contested match.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic’s quest for another title, alongside the excitement surrounding burgeoning talents like Quinn and Mensik as they seek to make their mark in the competition.