Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals on the 13th after Lorenzo Musetti, who led by two sets at Melbourne Park, was injured in the third set.
Musetti’s retirement while leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 meant Djokovic had made a grand escape in his most successful hunting ground, with the 10-time champion still alive for her 25th solo major attempt to break a draw with Margaret Court.
The 38-year-old Serbian returned to action after a long break following a walkover to Sunday’s fourth-round opponent Jakub Mencik, and showed freshness with a sharp start, providing plenty of variety and grabbing an early break.
But after some loose points saw Musetti level at 2-2, the Italian overtook Djokovic for the first time this tournament with an overhead shot and comfortably ended the first set with serve.
Hot winners from both sides helped break Musetti in the first game of the second set, and although the 23-year-old quickly lost his advantage, he regained the lead and soon doubled his lead in the match, forcing Djokovic into the ropes.
Djokovic struggled as he continued to treat a blister on his foot and took a 2-1 lead with a break in the third set. At this time, Musetti brought his trainer to the court with what appeared to be a problem in his right thigh.
Musetti tried to deal with the problem and continue playing, but he was far from 100 percent and threw in the towel as the crowd at Rod Laver Arena held their breath, giving Djokovic his 103rd victory of the tournament, giving him more than Roger Federer.
Djokovic: “Musetti is a much better player”
Musetti was cruelly forced to miss the Australian Open semi-finals due to injury.
Djokovic, who was forced out of last year’s semi-final due to injury, admitted he was very lucky and said: “I don’t know what else to say other than I’m really sorry for him.”
“He was the much better player. I was on my way home. It’s happened to me a few times, but in the quarterfinals of a Slam tournament, he was in complete control in the second set, so it’s a shame. I wish him a speedy recovery and he definitely should have been the winner today.”
“I’m going to double my prayers tonight to thank God for truly giving me this opportunity. I’m going to do my best in the next few days to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Djokovic’s quest for a record Grand Slam title continues when he faces the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.
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