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Djokovic Advances as Musetti Retires Injured in Australian Open Quarterfinal

Novak Djokovic progressed to the Australian Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retired due to an upper-right leg injury. The Italian was leading the match two sets to love and 3-1 in the third set when the injury struck. Djokovic expressed sympathy for Musetti, stating the Italian was the far better player on the day and deserved to win. The victory also marked Djokovic's 103rd Australian Open singles win, setting a new tournament record.

Key Points: Djokovic into Australian Open SF after Musetti Injury Retirement

  • Musetti forced to retire with leg injury
  • Djokovic was trailing two sets to love
  • Djokovic records 103rd Australian Open win
  • Reaches 1,400 career tour-level matches
3 min read

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic moves into semi-finals after Musetti retires, taking two-set lead

Novak Djokovic reaches the Australian Open semi-finals after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retires with a leg injury while leading two sets to love.

"I was on my way home tonight... He should have been a winner today, no doubt. - Novak Djokovic"

Melbourne, January 28

Serbian legend and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open as his opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, was forced to retire while leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 in the pair's quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

Musetti's hopes of ending his Grand Slam drought against Djokovic were dashed in cruel fashion in Melbourne. Stepping onto Rod Laver Arena, having lost all three previous meetings with Djokovic at the majors, according to the ATP Tour website.

Musetti's quarterfinal magic was cut short by an upper-right leg injury, which struck in the third game's third set, after he'd built a two-set lead. The Italian battled on for a bit, even after a physio visit at 1-2, but couldn't keep going after two hours and eight minutes of intense play.

"I don't know what to say except I feel really sorry for him, and he was a far better player. I was on my way home tonight. These kinds of things happen in sport. It happened to me a few times, but being in the quarters of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up, and being in full control, it's so unfortunate. I don't know what else I can sa,y and I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, no doubt," Djokovic said after the match.

"The strategy worked very well for the first couple of games, and then it changed completely. Four winners in the first two games, and no unforced errors. Then in the rest of the match, I had another four winners and probably 40 errors. But that's what Lorenzo does to you," said Djokovic, who now holds a 10-1 Head2Head lead over Musetti.

"He makes you play. When you think the point is finished, it's not. Obviously, a bit more wind today, swirly conditions, and when you attack him you don't know what to expect... What can I say. I tried my best. Yes, I have a blister here and there, but nothing really majorly bothered me. I just wasn't feeling the ball today in the first couple of sets, but that's also due to his quality and his variety of game. I'm just extremely lucky to get through this one today," he concluded.

By stepping on court Wednesday, Djokovic became just the third man (after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer) to compete in 1,400 tour-level matches. Djokovic also surpassed Federer to claim sole ownership of the record for the most Australian Open singles match wins (103).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Djokovic's humility is something else. "I was on my way home tonight." That's a rare admission from a GOAT contender. Musetti must be absolutely gutted.
P
Priya S
Another record for Novak! 103 wins at the Australian Open is insane. He's a machine. But honestly, as a tennis fan, I wanted to see a proper fight. The retirement took the excitement away. 😕
V
Vikram M
This is why fitness is as important as skill. At this level, your body has to hold up. Feel for the young Italian, but Novak knows how to stay ready. The mental strength to be "lucky" in a quarter-final is what separates him.
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Rohit P
Respectful criticism: While Novak was gracious, the match itself was a bit of a letdown for fans who stayed up late in India. Hope the semis are more competitive! On another note, 1400 matches... that's longevity goals.
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Michael C
Djokovic's post-match analysis is always so technical. "He makes you play. When you think the point is finished, it's not." That's a huge compliment to Musetti's game. The kid has talent, just needs his body to cooperate.

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