Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday in extremely fortunate circumstances.
Djokovic’s hopes of winning a 25th Grand Slam title had been ripped to pieces by a dominant Musetti, who took a commanding two-set lead against the Serbian star.
However, fortune did not favour Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday: the Italian was forced to retire midway through the third set due to a right leg injury.
Djokovic, who described himself as ‘extremely lucky,’ will face Ben Shelton or Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals.
After winning the contest, Djokovic posted a message on social media, sympathising with his opponent’s plight.
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Novak Djokovic’s sympathetic message to Lorenzo Musetti
It has been a tournament of good luck for Novak Djokovic, who narrowly avoided being disqualified from the event in the third round and saw his fourth-round opponent withdraw from the competition.
Musetti, who could rise to world number four following the tournament’s conclusion, can consider himself extremely unfortunate to not be competing in a semi-final match on Friday.
Following the Italian’s injury, Djokovic posted a message of support on social media.
On Instagram, Djokovic said: “Huge respect and speedy recovery to Lorenzo Musetti. You were incredible today, I was on my way home. Heal well my friend. Onwards.”
Djokovic, who set an Open Era record with victory over Musetti, will await the winner of Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner in the last four.
The Serbian star will likely be hoping for a match against Shelton, a player whom Djokovic has enjoyed greater success against in recent years.
Djokovic’s recent struggles against Jannik Sinner
Djokovic has a 4-6 record against Jannik Sinner, losing his last five matches against the Italian. In fact, the last time Djokovic won a set against the Italian was at the 2024 Australian Open.
The pair met twice at Grand Slam events in 2025 – the French Open and Wimbledon – and Sinner emerged victorious on both occasions.
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Sinner’s game is eerily similar to Djokovic’s, and at this stage in the Serb’s career, Sinner is simply a better athlete and better player than Djokovic.
As for Ben Shelton, Djokovic has faced the American once on the ATP Tour. At the 2023 US Open, Djokovic defeated Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 in the semi-finals.
Djokovic went on to win the title in New York – his last Grand Slam triumph.
