On Friday’s semifinal, Novak Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner, who won the match against eighth seed Ben Shelton 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Aus Open: Two sets down, Djokovic through to SF after Musetti retires/ Credit: Aus Open/X
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic reached his 13th semifinal at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, advancing after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired during a dramatic quarterfinal. The Italian, trailing two sets to love, suffered a right leg injury in the third game of the third set while leading 6-4, 6-3.
Musetti had delivered a polished performance early on, taking control with clean, precise strokes and keeping Djokovic on the back foot. Despite physio treatment and attempting to continue at 1-2 in the third set, Musetti was ultimately forced to retire after two hours and eight minutes on court.
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The retirement meant Djokovic progressed without finishing the match, becoming the second-oldest man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open semifinals and the third man to play 1,400 tour-level matches. He had also advanced to the quarters after Jakub Mensik withdrew with injury in the fourth round. In Friday’s semifinal, Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner, who won the match against eighth seed Ben Shelton 6-3 6-4 6-4.
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“I don’t know what to say except I feel really sorry for him. He was the far better player. These kinds of things happen in sport – it’s very unfortunate, especially in the quarters of a Grand Slam when you’re two sets to love up and in full control. I wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, no doubt,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
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Musetti’s performance was remarkable up to the point of retirement. The Italian surged to a 2-0 lead, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the second set to take it 6-3, and looked poised for a major upset over the defending champion. He repeatedly delivered fast, precise serves and decisive groundstrokes, keeping Djokovic under pressure and showcasing his all-around game.
Djokovic managed to fight back in key games with creative net play and tight rallies, but crucial mistakes allowed Musetti to maintain momentum. The injury ultimately denied the young Italian a chance at a historic quarterfinal triumph.
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