Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury. Lorenzo retired while holding a two-set lead.
Musetti In Control Before Injury
Musetti was in command at 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when he was forced to quit with a right thigh problem. Novak Djokovic, 10-time Australian Open champion, admitted he was fortunate to advance, calling the outcome “extremely unlucky” for the Italian.
“I don’t know what to say, except that I feel really sorry for him, he was a far better player,” Djokovic said. “I was on my way home tonight. Being two sets up and in full control in a Grand Slam quarter-final, it’s so unfortunate. He should have been the winner today, there’s no doubt.”
Match Momentum Shift
Returning after an extended break following Jakub Mensik’s fourth-round walkover, Djokovic started sharply and earned an early break. However, a rash of loose errors allowed Musetti to take control. The 23-year-old Italian used his variety and court coverage to unsettle Djokovic. He broke serve repeatedly and surged two sets clear as the Serb struggled to find rhythm.
“My strategy worked very well for the first couple of games and then it changed completely,” Djokovic said. “After that I had probably 40 errors. That’s what Lorenzo does to you, he makes you play when you think the point is finished. I’m extremely lucky to get through this one.”
Sudden End And Semi-Final Spot
The match turned abruptly in the third set. Musetti called for medical treatment and was unable to continue, drawing stunned gasps from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. The retirement handed Djokovic his 103rd Australian Open match win. The win moves him past Roger Federer and books a semi-final clash with either defending champion Jannik Sinner or American Ben Shelton.
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