Novak Djokovic’s journey continues at the Australian Open after he advanced to semi-finals when Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets.
The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, struggled against the inspired Italian, appearing wayward, error-strewn, and frustrated in front of a stunned Melbourne crowd. Musetti, the fifth seed, was 6-4, 6-3 up and seemed on the verge of a semi-final berth before he pulled out early in the third set.
Musetti had taken a medical timeout for treatment on his thigh but, unable to serve or move properly, conceded the match at 3-1 in the third. The heartbroken Italian was helped off the court by a member of his team.
“He was a far better player—I was on my way home tonight,” Djokovic said. “I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”
Djokovic himself had struggled physically, receiving treatment for blisters on his feet at the end of the second set. His advance follows another stroke of fortune after fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew due to injury. Djokovic has not won a set since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on 24 January, highlighting the luck that has so far aided his run.
The match began sharply for Djokovic with an immediate break, but he soon lost momentum. A missed overhead in the first set handed Musetti the initiative, and Djokovic went on to serve just one ace while committing 18 unforced errors compared to nine winners.
Musetti’s improved serve and consistent one-handed backhand kept Djokovic guessing, moving the Italian within reach of his first Australian Open semi-final. But after being broken in the third set, Musetti called for the trainer and, despite a valiant attempt, retired. “I felt it at the beginning of the second set. The pain kept increasing, and it wasn’t going away,” Musetti said afterward.
Despite the fortunate outcome, Djokovic will need to raise his level if he is to claim an 11th Australian Open title. Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, who beat Djokovic in the semi-finals two years ago, could await him in the last four. World number two Sinner is scheduled to face American eighth seed Ben Shelton later on Wednesday.
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