Sport|TennisDjokovic reaches Australian Open semifinal after Musetti retires injuredFormer champion Novak Djokovic is through to last 4 in Melbourne after frontrunner Lorenzo Musetti suffers groin injury.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals under unusual circumstances on Wed, Jan 28, 2026, when Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt while leading two sets to one. Musetti, who was ahead 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, withdrew after receiving treatment for an…
Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals under unusual circumstances on Wed, Jan 28, 2026, when Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt while leading two sets to one. Musetti, who was ahead 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, withdrew after receiving treatment for an upper right leg injury, which impaired his movement.
Djokovic will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or American eighth seed Ben Shelton in the semifinal. This opportunity keeps Djokovic's pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title alive.
With this victory, Djokovic now holds the record for the most singles wins at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer with his 103rd win. This match also marks Djokovic's entry into his 54th Grand Slam semifinal.
The match presented significant challenges for Djokovic, who struggled with a high rate of unforced errors, accumulating 18 in the first set and 32 overall. Musetti's performance was strong, taking advantage of Djokovic's errors to gain a substantial lead. However, Musetti's leg injury ultimately led to his withdrawal, allowing Djokovic to progress.
Musetti, who was ahead 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, withdrew after receiving treatment for an upper right leg injury, which impaired his movement.
Djokovic was dominated by Musetti during their quarterfinal match on Rod Laver Arena [Izhar Khan/AFP]
Musetti needed medical attention due to a thigh issue after falling behind in the third set. Despite attempts to continue, his restricted movement forced him to retire from the match.
Musetti, right, walks off the court with Djokovic after he abruptly retired with a leg injury while leading the 24-time grand slam winner 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 on Wednesday [Izhar Khan/AFP]
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
