Novak Djokovic received a huge slice of luck during his Australian Open quarter-final match against Lorenzo Musetti.
At two sets up, Musetti retired against Djokovic, meaning the Serbian has won his last two matches without winning a single set.
Djokovic now faces one of the toughest tests the men’s game can offer as he plays Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-final.
The Serbian will head into the match as the underdog and Rick Macci has revealed what he thinks needs to happen in order for Djokovic to defeat the world number two.
Rick Macci says Novak Djokovic needs Jannik Sinner’s injury issues to resurface
Sinner has only dropped one set at the Australian Open, but he looked worst for wear earlier in the tournament in the Melbourne heat.
The star looked set for the exit door during his match with Eliot Spizzirri, before the roof was closed and he recovered to win in four sets.
Serena Williams’ former coach Macci believes Djokovic will need more injury issues from Sinner in order to challenge the Italian.
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“Does the Joker have a shot at Sinner? Yes for sure, but Jannik would have to cramp or not feel 100%.,” said Rick Macci on social media.
“At this stage of the game too much firepower and opening up the the court like the RED SEA by the Italian RED ROCKET Flamethrower.”
Sinner has won his last five matches against Djokovic, dating back to 2023. Djokovic’s last victory against the Italian came at the 2023 ATP Finals as the Serbian lifted the trophy.
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Sinner and Djokovic will play their 11th career match at the Australian Open, having split their head-to-head 6-4 in favour of the Italian.
The world number two has heaped praise on Djokovic ahead of their semi-final clash at the Melbourne event.
Speaking on-court after defeating Ben Shelton, Sinner said: “These are moments you practice for. We are so lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age.”
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Djokovic won his first three matches against Sinner between 2021 and 2023, but the Italian soon became one of the few players on the ATP Tour to hold a positive record against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Their meeting in Melbourne will be their sixth Grand Slam meeting and their second at the Australian Open.
Djokovic has won two of those Grand Slam meetings, with back-to-back victories at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023.
