Novak Djokovic’s iron grip on the Australian Open continues. The 38-year-old phenom reached his 13th semifinal at Melbourne Park, equaling his own dominance at this event where he’s won 10 titles. Yet, this quarterfinal win over Lorenzo Musetti will be remembered more for tragedy than triumph.
Down 6-4, 6-3 after two sets, Djokovic was under siege. Musetti unleashed a masterclass: explosive serves, pinpoint forehands, and relentless baseline pressure that had the crowd roaring. A pivotal sharp-angled winner in the first set swung momentum, while a service break in the second sealed Italian supremacy.
Djokovic, rarely rattled, fought back in the third. But it was Musetti who crumbled – a severe right leg injury, later diagnosed as a fracture, sidelined him after treatment. Two hours and eight minutes in, retirement was inevitable.
The Serena echoed with sympathy as Djokovic consoled his foe. ‘I’m gutted for Lorenzo. He owned the match and deserved the win. Retiring two sets up in a major is cruel,’ he shared.
This improbable advancement sets Djokovic against either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in Friday’s semis. With 24 Slams already, he’s eyeing history, but Musetti’s valiant effort – cut short cruelly – steals the spotlight in this chapter of tennis lore.