Djokovic Advances To Semifinals After Musetti Injury Drama

Novak Djokovic’s journey at the 2026 Australian Open has taken a dramatic and improbable turn, with the Serbian legend set to play in his 13th semifinal at Melbourne Park after a quarterfinal match that left fans stunned and hearts heavy for his opponent. On January 28th, at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic found himself on the brink of an early exit, thoroughly outplayed by the Italian rising star, Lorenzo Musetti, before a cruel twist of fate changed everything.

For two sets, Musetti, the tournament’s No. 5 seed and just 23 years old, looked every bit the conqueror. He powered through Djokovic’s defenses with a dazzling display of shot-making and athleticism, racing to a 6-4, 6-3 lead. The Italian’s variety, speed, and resourcefulness left Djokovic scrambling, with the Serbian veteran forced into a more aggressive, net-charging game just to keep pace. Musetti’s passing shots and brilliant forehands made it clear: this was his match to lose.

And for a fleeting moment, it seemed Djokovic, the 10-time Australian Open champion and 24-time major winner, was preparing for a rare defeat in Melbourne. He was hampered by a painful blister on his right foot, requiring medical attention and heavy taping. “I just wasn’t feeling the ball today due to his quality, and his variety in the game. I’m extremely lucky,” Djokovic admitted in his post-match interview, his relief palpable.

As the third set began, the physical toll of the contest became apparent on both sides. Djokovic, visibly uncomfortable, stretched between points and grimaced through the pain. But then, the match took a devastating turn for Musetti. After holding serve for 1-1, Musetti’s movement faltered. He called for a medical timeout, seeking treatment on his right thigh, but the problem only worsened. By the fifth game, trailing 1-3, Musetti could no longer continue. He walked to the net, removed his headband, and embraced Djokovic in a quick, somber hug before retiring from the match.

The scene was heartbreaking for Musetti, whose dream run in his first Melbourne quarterfinal ended not with defeat, but with injury. “Honestly, I never imagined the feeling of leading two sets to zero against Novak and playing like that and have the lead of the match like that and be forced to retire is something that I will never imagine,” Musetti said, his disappointment clear. “Of course, it’s really painful.”

Djokovic, who now advances to his 54th career Grand Slam semifinal, was the first to acknowledge the cruel luck that propelled him forward. “I don’t know what to say except for I feel sorry for him. He was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight. Don’t know what to say, these kind of things happen in sport. It happened to me a few times. You know, being in quarters of a Grand Slam up two sets to love up and being in full control. I mean, so unfortunate. I don’t know what else to say. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should’ve been the winner today no doubt.”

The match’s official score at retirement reflected Musetti’s dominance: 6-4, 6-3, 1-3. The Italian had been on the cusp of one of the biggest wins of his career, which would have marked his first hard-court Grand Slam semifinal after impressive showings at Wimbledon and the French Open. Had he closed out the match, Musetti would have also been in contention for a career-high world ranking.

For Djokovic, the victory comes with more than a touch of fortune. It’s the second consecutive match in which he’s advanced due to his opponent’s injury: in the fourth round, No. 16 seed Jakub Menšík withdrew with an abdominal injury, granting Djokovic a walkover. The Serbian acknowledged this stroke of luck, saying, “I’m going to double my prayers tonight and gratitude to God for giving my opportunity once again.”

Yet, the 38-year-old’s path to the semifinals has not been without its own adversity. Not only did he battle physical discomfort during the quarterfinal, but he’s also seeking to end a title drought that has stretched since the 2023 US Open. Should he fall short again in Melbourne, it would mark his longest span without a Grand Slam title since he first broke through in 2008. The pressure is on, and the stakes could not be higher as he chases an unprecedented 25th major singles crown.

Next up for Djokovic is a familiar and formidable foe: Jannik Sinner, the No. 2 seed and two-time defending Australian Open champion. Sinner, who dispatched Ben Shelton in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-4) to book his place in the semifinals, has been a thorn in Djokovic’s side in recent years. The two last met in the 2024 Australian Open, where Sinner ended Djokovic’s campaign. Now, the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch, with Djokovic eager to reverse his fortunes and Sinner looking to cement his dominance.

The broader context only adds to the drama. Djokovic’s recent history at the Australian Open has been marked by misfortune and missed opportunities. In 2025, he was forced to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev due to injury. In 2024, Sinner bested him in the last four. Now, a third consecutive semifinal awaits, and the tennis world is watching to see if the Serbian legend can summon his trademark resilience and reclaim his crown.

Meanwhile, Musetti’s misfortune echoes a troubling pattern. Last year, he was also forced to retire from the French Open semifinals with a similar injury, this time against Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian’s talent and tenacity are undeniable, but luck has yet to fully swing his way on the sport’s grandest stages. “We have done all the exams and tests before starting the season to see and to try and prevent these kind of injuries, and then they say nothing came out, so I honestly have no words to describe how I’m feeling right now and how tough is for me this injury in this moment,” Musetti reflected.

As the Australian Open heads toward its climax, the men’s draw has been shaped as much by resilience and skill as by the unpredictability of sport. Djokovic’s quest for history continues, but with more questions than answers. Can he recover physically and mentally in time for Sinner? Will fortune favor him once again, or is this the moment when the next generation finally takes the reins?

One thing’s for sure: the drama is far from over at Melbourne Park. With Djokovic and Sinner set for a high-stakes semifinal, tennis fans around the world can expect another chapter in a rivalry that’s quickly becoming one for the ages. For Musetti, the road to redemption starts with recovery, but his performance this week has made it clear—his time on the big stage is only just beginning.