The men’s only features seeded players in the fourth round of the Australian Open, delivering a blockbuster schedule on Monday. Novak Djokovic vs. Jakub Mensik and Ben Shelton vs. Casper Ruud are among the headlines.
(16) Jakub Mensik vs. (4) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Mensik will face each other for the third time in their careers when they meet in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday. Their most recent meeting produced one of the most memorable results of 2025, as Mensik recorded a stunning 7-6(4), 7-6(4) defeat in the Miami final. Their other meeting was also competitive; Djokovic won 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of Shanghai 2024.
So far, things have been going smoothly for Djokovic at Melbourne Park. The ten-time champion secured his place in the second week by beating Pedro Martinez, Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. Mensik needed five against Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round, but then made relatively quick work of Raphael Jodar and Ethan Quinn. So continues an excellent month for the 20-year-old Czech, who lifted the Auckland trophy last weekend. Most importantly, Mensik – unlike many of Djokovic’s opponents – has faith. That said, the Grand Slam version of Djokovic is very different from what Mensik saw at the Masters 1000 level.
Choice: Djokovic in 4
(8) Ben Shelton vs. (12) Casper Ruud
No one was more impressive and efficient against – in some cases – tough competition than Shelton during Week 1 of this Aussie Open. The seventh-ranked American did not drop a set as he disposed of Adelaide runners-up Ugo Humbert, Dane Sweeny and Shanghai champion Valentin Vacherot. Shelton is now 14-3 in Melbourne, including a semifinal appearance (2025) and a quarterfinal appearance (2023).
Next Monday for the 23-year-old is a fourth meeting with Ruud, who leads the head-to-head series 2-1. However, it is 1-1 on hard courts – with one defeat in favor of Shelton (Cincinnati 2022) and one three-set thriller going Ruud’s way (Acapulco 2024). The 13th-ranked Norwegian has advanced Down Under with wins over Mattia Bellucci, Jaume Munar and Marin Cilic, losing just one set to Cilic. This is a match that is going great for Shelton, who will beat Ruud’s backhand with a lefty serve and a heavy topspin forehand. While Shelton has been an absolute force at majors on a consistent basis, Ruud – apart from a Roland Garros semi-final appearance – has cooled off considerably on this stage since finishing second at the 2023 French Open.
Choice: Shelton in 4
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