Novak Djokovic advanced to a 13th Australian Open semi-final after Lorenzo Musetti retired in the third set injured after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park.
Musetti’s retirement when leading 6-4 6-3 1-3 meant Djokovic pulled off a great escape at his most successful hunting ground, with the 10-time champion’s bid for a standalone 25th major to break the tie with Margaret Court still alive.
The 38-year-old Serb returned to action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik’s walkover on Sunday, and his freshness showed during a sharp start where he brought plenty of variety and grabbed an early break.
But some loose points allowed Musetti to level at 2-2 and the Italian then surged past Djokovic for the first time in the contest with an overhead shot before comfortably wrapping up the opening set on serve.
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Novak Djokovic was not pleased with a reporter’s question insinuating that he was consistently chasing players like Rafa Nadal and Jannik Sinner.
Some fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break in the opening game of the second set, and though the 23-year-old let the advantage slip immediately, he edged in front again and soon doubled his lead in the match to leave Djokovic on the ropes.
Djokovic soldiered on following treatment for a foot blister and went 2-1 up with a break in the third, when it was Musetti’s turn to call the trainer to the court for what appeared like a right thigh issue.
Musetti looked to manage the problem and play on but he was far from 100 per cent and threw in the towel to gasps from the crowd on Rod Laver Arena, handing Djokovic his 103rd match win at the tournament to eclipse Roger Federer.
Djokovic: Musetti ‘the far better player’
Djokovic, who was forced out of last year’s semi-final here through injury, admitted he was extremely fortunate, saying: “I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him.
“He was the far better player, I was on my way home. It happened to me a few times but being in the quarters of a Slam, two sets to love up, in full control, so unfortunate. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today no doubt.
“I’m going to double my prayers tonight of gratitude to God for really giving me the opportunity. I’m going to do my best in a couple of days to use it.”
Musetti was cruelly robbed of a place in a maiden Australian Open semi-final by injury
‘Really painful’ – Musetti struggles to compute retirement
Musetti revealed in the press room later that he began to feel the injury at the beginning of the second set, with the pain increasing to the point of him being unable to continue.
It is not the first time the fifth seed has experienced such problems, with Musetti also pulling out during the French Open semi-finals against Carlos Alcaraz last summer.
“We have done all the exams and tests before starting the season to see and to try and prevent these kind of injuries, and then they say nothing came out, so I honestly have no words to describe how I’m feeling right now and how tough is for me this injury in this moment,” he said.
“Honestly, I never imagined the feeling of leading two sets to zero against Novak and playing like that and have the lead of the match like that and be forced to retire. Of course, it’s really painful.”
Sinner outclasses Shelton to reach semis
Jannik Sinner through to Australian Open semi-finals after straight sets win over Ben Shelton
Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking Grand Slam title will continue against Jannik Sinner after the defending champion eased into the semi‑finals with a straight‑sets win over Ben Shelton.
Sinner, chasing a third consecutive Australian Open crown, produced a composed performance on Rod Laver Arena, earning decisive breaks in every set to overcome the big‑serving American 6-3 6-4 6-4 in two hours and 23 minutes.
Sinner’s 10th straight victory over Shelton confirmed this year’s semi‑final line-up features the tournament’s top four seeds, with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev set to contest the other last‑four encounter.
“It’s very tough to play against Ben,” said Sinner. “Huge serve and I feel like he’s improving so much year after year. Very happy about today’s performance. I felt like I returned great today.”
On facing Djokovic, the 24-year-old added: “These are moments why you practise, you wake up in the morning and you look forward to play hopefully a good match. We are still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis with his age. Hopefully it’s going to be a great battle.”
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