Novak Djokovic’s quest to carve out even more tennis history remains alive, but his route into the Australian Open semi-finals was far from straightforward. The Serbian great advanced only after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured, despite holding a commanding two-set lead and appearing on course for a memorable victory.
Djokovic, who is chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title, endured a frustrating and error-filled performance against the energetic Italian. The five-time Australian Open champion looked out of rhythm, frequently misfiring from the baseline and showing visible signs of irritation as the match slipped away from him in front of a stunned Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Musetti, inspired and fearless, took full advantage of Djokovic’s struggles. The Italian claimed the opening two sets 6-4, 6-3, dictating play with sharp angles, variety, and relentless intensity. At that stage, he looked firmly in control and well on his way to reaching the biggest semi-final of his career.
However, the momentum of the contest shifted abruptly early in the third set. Musetti suddenly pulled up while moving across the court, immediately signalling discomfort in his thigh. The atmosphere inside the stadium changed from anticipation to concern as it became clear something was seriously wrong.
After going behind 3-1 in the third set, Musetti took a medical timeout in an attempt to receive treatment. Despite the efforts of the physio team, it quickly became evident that he was unable to move or serve properly. With visible frustration and disappointment, the Italian made the difficult decision to retire from the match.
Walking to the net to shake hands with Djokovic, Musetti brought the contest to a premature end, leaving fans shocked by the sudden conclusion. The emotional toll was clear as the Italian was assisted down the tunnel by a member of his support team, struggling to hide his heartbreak.
Djokovic was quick to acknowledge the unfortunate nature of his progression. Speaking after the match, the 38-year-old admitted he had been outplayed for much of the encounter.
“He was by far the better player tonight,” Djokovic said. “I was basically packing my bags and getting ready to go home. I really don’t know what else to say except that I feel incredibly sorry for him. He deserved to win.”
The Serbian legend also expressed his hope that Musetti would recover quickly, emphasising that the Italian’s performance merited a place in the semi-finals.
“He should have been the winner today, no doubt about it,” Djokovic added. “I wish him nothing but a speedy recovery.”
Djokovic himself was not without physical issues. At the end of the second set, he received medical attention for blisters on his feet, a problem that appeared to affect his movement and comfort on court. Had the match continued, his physical condition could have been further exposed by Musetti’s aggressive and demanding style of play.
This match marked another instance of fortune favouring Djokovic during this year’s Australian Open. In the fourth round, his scheduled opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew before their match, handing Djokovic a walkover into the quarter-finals. Combined with Musetti’s retirement, Djokovic has advanced deep into the tournament despite not having to complete his last two matches.
In fact, Djokovic has not won a completed set since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on 24 January. For a player renowned for his endurance, resilience, and mental strength, this represents an unusual path to the latter stages of a Grand Slam.
As Djokovic edges closer to surpassing Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, questions remain about his physical condition and form. To lift the trophy, he will likely need to manage his time on court carefully, shorten rallies, and rely on efficient serving and aggressive early strikes.
Luck, too, may need to stay on his side. While Djokovic is no stranger to grinding his way through adversity, even he would not have predicted reaching the semi-finals with such a heavy dependence on circumstances beyond his control.
Yet, history has shown that Djokovic is at his most dangerous when written off. Despite his struggles, he remains one of the most formidable competitors the sport has ever seen, and his experience in high-pressure moments could prove decisive as the tournament reaches its climax.
For Musetti, the disappointment will be immense. His performance against Djokovic was among the finest of his career, showcasing maturity, tactical intelligence, and belief against one of the game’s greatest players. While injury denied him the chance to complete the job, the Italian can take pride in knowing he pushed Djokovic to the brink on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
As the Australian Open moves into its final rounds, all eyes will remain on Djokovic. Whether he can overcome physical concerns and rediscover his best form will determine if this campaign ends in historic triumph or a painful missed opportunity.
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