Djokovic through to Australian Open semi-finals after Musetti injury

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record Grand Slam title continued in dramatic circumstances after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti exited the Australian Open quarter-final with an injury after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park on Wednesday (28 January 2026).

Musetti’s retirement when leading 6-4 6-3 1-3 meant Djokovic’s big escape on his most successful hunting ground, with the 10-time champion’s bid for a standalone 25th major breaking the tie with Margaret Court still alive.

The 38-year-old Serbian returned to action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik’s walkover on Sunday (25 January 2026), and his freshness shone through during a sharp start in which he provided plenty of variety and grabbed an early break.

But a few loose points saw Musetti level at 2-2 and the Italian then raced past Djokovic for the first time in the match with a shot from above before comfortably ending the opening set on serve.

Some fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break through in the opening game of the next set, and although the 23-year-old immediately let the lead slip, he got back into the lead and soon doubled his lead in the match, leaving Djokovic on the ropes.

Djokovic continued to treat a foot blister and moved to 2-1 with a break in the third, when it was Musetti’s turn to call the trainer to court for what appeared to be a problem with his right thigh.

Musetti tried to resolve the issue and continue playing, but he was far from 100% and threw in the towel to leave the Rod Laver Arena crowd gasping, handing Djokovic his 103rd match win of the tournament, eclipsing Roger Federer’s lead.

Djokovic will next face the winner of the quarterfinal between defending champion Jannik Sinner and ⁠Ben Shelton.