Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title remains alive, though he admitted he was “on his way home” before Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured during their Australian Open quarter-final.
In a stunned Rod Laver Arena, the 23-year-old Italian dominated the early stages, playing inspired tennis to take a commanding 6-4 6-3 lead. Djokovic appeared “wayward and irritable,” struggling with foot blisters and a flurry of unforced errors.
The match took a tragic turn early in the third set when Musetti suffered a thigh injury. Unable to serve or move, the heartbroken Italian retired while trailing 3-1 in the third set.
“He was a far better player… He should have been a winner today,” Djokovic admitted after the match.
This marks a remarkably fortunate run for the 38-year-old Serb, who reached the semi-finals despite not winning a full set since the third round, following a walkover in the previous stage.
Djokovic now awaits the winner of Jannik Sinner vs. Ben Shelton, knowing he must find his form to survive a potential clash with the defending champion.
