Former champion Novak Djokovic reached the last four in Melbourne after front-runner Lorenzo Musetti suffered a groin injury.
Published January 28, 2026
‘Extremely lucky’ Novak Djokovic overcame a huge scare to reach the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday after Lorenzo Musetti was injured during the second set set-up, keeping the Serbian great’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam title alive.
The fifth-seeded Italian was leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when he withdrew after his movement was severely hampered after treatment for the upper part of his right foot.
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It was a huge blessing for Djokovic, who has won 10 times in error-riddled Melbourne. Djokovic will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton for a spot in the final.
The let-off kept his bid for a record 25th major title alive.
Djokovic is looking to surpass Margaret Court for the landmark since her last match at the US Open in 2023.
With the emergence of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it proved increasingly difficult.
“I’m really disappointed. He was a much better player. He was on his way home tonight,” Djokovic said.
“That happened to me a few times. He was in complete control.
“It’s really disappointing. I don’t know what else to say. He was definitely supposed to be the winner today. We’re very lucky to get through this game today.”
snatched victory from the jaws of defeat
With his victory over Musetti, Djokovic claimed sole rights to the most singles wins at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer’s 103rd win.
It also made him reach the semifinals of a major tournament for the 54th time, extending his own record.
But it all seemed over for the 38-year-old.
He had an unusually high unforced error rate and was Musetti’s worst opponent, making 18 in the first set alone and 32 overall until Musetti’s exit.
Djokovic held serve comfortably and then grabbed three break points to start. A nervous Musetti made two saves, but a misjudged forehand put him at a 2-0 deficit.
However, the Italian quickly calmed down and the Serbian’s terrible shot opened the door for a comeback in the next game.
The match was the first of four consecutive wins for Musetti, and while Djokovic made mistakes on both his backhand and forehand, Musetti’s ability to cover the court was impressive.
The Italian held three break points to take a 5-2 lead, but the veteran managed to fight back and hold on throughout the eight-minute match.
But that only delayed the inevitable, as Musetti took the set in the 54th minute and broke again to take the lead in the second set.
Djokovic wasn’t done yet and broke back, but made more mistakes and broke back again, giving up his serve for the fourth time.
Trying to stay in the set, his serve was broken again, and Musetti hit a sensational forehand down the line to take the second set.
However, Musetti required treatment for a thigh problem after the 2-1 loss in the third game, and was clearly in pain and had limited movement.
He tried to continue but had no choice but to throw in the towel.
