Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title remains firmly on track after the 10-time Australian Open champion benefited from Lorenzo Musetti’s injury-enforced retirement in their quarter-final clash at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, January 28.Musetti was in complete control early, leading 6-4, 6-3, 3-1 when physical issues forced the Italian to withdraw, stunning the crowd on Rod Laver Arena and allowing Djokovic to escape defeat at his most successful Grand Slam venue.
Even when Novak Djokovic was down 2 sets, he refused to accept a point that wasn’t his.
Sportsmanship at its finest. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/IgBpiUweJl
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 28, 2026
The retirement ensured Djokovic’s bid to surpass Margaret Court’s all-time major tally stayed alive, while also marking his 103rd match win at the Australian Open — moving him past Roger Federer for the most victories at the tournament.
Returning to competition after an extended break caused by Jakub Mensik’s fourth-round walkover, Djokovic initially looked sharp and refreshed. The 38-year-old Serb mixed pace and variety well to secure an early break, but his rhythm soon faltered. Musetti grew in confidence, leveling the opening set at 2-2 before seizing control with crisp baseline hitting and a clinical overhead winner to take the first set on serve.
Novak Djokovic after Musetti was forced to retire from the QF match at Australian Open
“I don’t know what to say except for I feel sorry for him. He was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight. Don’t know what to say, these kind of things happen in sport. It happened… pic.twitter.com/mRDasdVxbR
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 28, 2026
The Italian carried that momentum into the second set, breaking Djokovic early with a series of fierce groundstrokes from both wings. Although Djokovic briefly fought back to recover the break, Musetti responded immediately and tightened his grip on the contest, claiming the second set to push the 24-time Grand Slam champion to the brink of elimination.
Djokovic showed his trademark resilience in the third set despite receiving medical treatment for a blister on his foot. He found an extra gear to break early and move 2-1 ahead, just as the momentum appeared to be shifting. However, it was then Musetti’s turn to summon the trainer, with the 23-year-old visibly troubled by what appeared to be a right thigh issue.
Despite attempting to manage the injury and continue, Musetti was clearly hampered and unable to move freely. After a brief period of play, he made the difficult decision to retire, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd in recognition of his brave performance.
Novak Djokovic has been given a second chance at the Australian Open trophy.
Let’s make the most of it.
Speedy recovery to Musetti. 🙏🏻pic.twitter.com/P1HOUQIXcJ
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 28, 2026
Djokovic acknowledged his opponent with respect as he booked a place in the semifinals, where he will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and American Ben Shelton. While the victory came in unfortunate circumstances, Djokovic once again demonstrated why Melbourne Park remains his most formidable hunting ground.
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