Djokovic's Dramatic Australian Open Escape as Musetti Retires Injured
Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title continued under extraordinary circumstances at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, as his Australian Open quarter-final opponent, fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti, retired with an injury while holding a commanding two-set lead.
A Sudden and Unfortunate Turn of Events
The match took a dramatic turn when Musetti, leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, was forced to withdraw due to what appeared to be a right thigh issue. This retirement handed Djokovic a remarkable escape at his most successful hunting ground, keeping alive his bid to break the tie with Margaret Court and secure a standalone record 25th major title.
"I don't know what to say, except that I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player," a gracious Djokovic said in his post-match interview. "I was on my way home tonight. These things happen in sport and it's happened to me a few times, but being in quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, I mean it's so unfortunate."
Djokovic extended his well-wishes to the young Italian, adding, "I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today, there's no doubt."
Musetti's Dominance and Djokovic's Struggle
The 38-year-old Serb, returning to action after an extended break following a walkover in the fourth round, initially showed sharp form with a variety of shots and an early break. However, loose points allowed Musetti to level at 2-2, and the Italian surged ahead with an overhead shot, comfortably wrapping up the opening set on serve.
Djokovic reflected on the tactical battle, stating, "My strategy worked very well for the first couple of games and then it changed completely. I had four winners in the first two games and no unforced errors and then the rest of the match I had another four winners and probably 40 errors. That's what Lorenzo does to you, makes you play when you think the point is finished."
He elaborated on Musetti's unpredictable style, "When you attack him you don't know what to expect, whether it's going to be a passing shot, a crosscourt or a short slice, or if he's going to go full flat in your body or hit a looping ball to my weakest shot, which is overhead."
Injury Troubles Seal the Fate
Fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break in the opening game of the second set. Although the 23-year-old briefly lost the advantage, he quickly regained control and doubled his lead in the match, leaving Djokovic on the ropes.
Djokovic soldiered on after receiving treatment for a foot blister and managed to go 2-1 up with a break in the third set. It was then Musetti's turn to call the trainer to the court for his thigh issue. Despite attempting to manage the problem, Musetti was far from full fitness and threw in the towel a game later, eliciting gasps from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
This retirement handed Djokovic his 103rd match win at the Australian Open, eclipsing Roger Federer's previous record. Djokovic now faces the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Expressing his thoughts on the unexpected victory, Djokovic said, "I'm going to double my prayers tonight, for sure, and show gratitude to God for giving me this opportunity. I'm going to do my best in a couple of days to use it ... Today I wasn't happy with my performance but it's another day in the office and hopefully in a couple of days, I can come out and be at my best, because that's what's needed."
He acknowledged his fortune, adding, "I tried my best ... I wasn't feeling the ball today the first couple of sets but that's also due to his quality and his variety in the game. I'm extremely lucky to get through this one."
