In a match that defied all expectations, Novak Djokovic secured a place in his 11th Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday, but not in the manner he; or the stunned Rod Laver Arena crowd, anticipated. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who had thoroughly outplayed the 24-time Major champion to lead by two sets, was forced to retire due to a right thigh injury while leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
Musetti, the world No. 5, looked set to record the biggest hard-court win of his career. He broke Djokovic’s serve five times across the first two sets, neutralizing the Serbian’s aggressive baseline game with spectacular variety and one-handed backhand missiles.
However, the momentum shifted cruelly in the third set. After pullng up early in the third game, Musetti received a lengthy medical timeout for his upper right leg. Despite a valiant attempt to continue, he found himself unable to move or serve effectively and shook hands at the net after just over two hours of play.
He was a far better player today-I was on my way home tonight. These kinds of things happen in sport... but being in the quarters of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and in full control, it’s so unfortunate. He should have been a winner today, no doubt
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic’s path to the semi-finals has been remarkably light on court time. This victory marks his second consecutive advancement via retirement or walkover:
Round 4: Advanced via walkover after Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal injury.
Quarter-final: Advanced via retirement from Lorenzo Musetti.
Remarkably, Djokovic has not won a set on court since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on January 24.
Despite his "error-strewn" performance, the win is historically significant:
Federer eclipsed: This marks Djokovic's 103rd match win at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer's all-time tournament record.
Semi-final streak: Djokovic remains undefeated in Australian Open semi-finals (10-0).
