MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic, the 10-time Australian Open champion, scripted yet another semifinal appearance at his favorite Grand Slam, marking his 13th time in the last four. But this victory came in the most heartbreaking fashion imaginable.
Facing fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, the 38-year-old Serbian found himself down two sets to love. Musetti dominated the early exchanges, clinching the first set 6-4 with a stunning angled forehand winner in a crucial rally that left Djokovic scrambling. The Italian carried that momentum into the second, breaking serve to seal a 6-3 win and putting the world No. 2 on the ropes.
Musetti’s baseline game was on fire. His powerful serves, precise returns, and aggressive groundstrokes kept Djokovic pinned back, dictating play from the outset. Fans were witnessing what looked like a major upset in the making.
Disaster struck in the third set’s third game. Musetti suffered a horrific right leg injury – a broken bone that forced him off the court after a brief physio intervention. After two hours and eight minutes of intense battle, the 22-year-old was compelled to retire, handing Djokovic a semifinal berth he admitted felt undeserved.
‘I don’t know what to say except I’m so sorry for him. He deserved to win today,’ Djokovic said post-match, his voice heavy with empathy. ‘These things happen in sports, but retiring up two sets in a Grand Slam quarterfinal is tough. I wish him a speedy recovery.’
Djokovic now awaits the winner of Friday’s clash between second seed Jannik Sinner and eighth seed Ben Shelton. Despite the controversial path, his aura at Melbourne remains unshakable, chasing an 11th title and 25th Grand Slam overall.
