Novak Djokovic was down during his Australian Open quarterfinal against Lorenzo Musetti on Day 11, and he looked to be out. Trailing two sets to love and showing few signs of life against a switched-on Musetti, the end appeared nigh for the Grand Slam king.
Then, complete and utter shock.
Musetti pulled up lame in the third game of the third set. After Djokovic broke him for 2-1, the Italian immediately summoned the on-court physio.
Could it be déjà vu all over again for the man who once lost to Djokovic from two sets to love up at Roland-Garros—retiring down 4-0 in the fifth, barely able to walk?
It most certainly was.
Musetti could only make it through another game and a half before he pulled the plug, walking to the net to shake hands with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic suddenly found himself through to a record-extending 54th career Grand Slam semifinal.
“I don’t know what to say except I feel really sorry for him,” a stunned Djokovic told the crowd. “He was the far better player—I was on my way home tonight. Being in the quarters of a Grand Slam, being two sets to love up, and being in full control—it’s so unfortunate. I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been the winner today, no doubt.”
Djokovic had actually gotten off to a quick start, claiming an early break for 2-0, but things soon began to unravel for the 10-time Aussie Open conqueror. Musetti took seven of the next nine games to lead by a set and a break at 6-4, 1-0.
Djokovic, who owns an Open Era record 56 wins from a set down at the majors, didn’t let it shatter his mood initially. He broke back immediately to love, leveling the second set at one apiece. But just when it seemed the Serbian legend was settling, he was put on the back foot again by Musetti, who broke and held his advantage to secure a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.
Musetti played brilliantly at times, powering his backhand down the line with his signature open stance, hitting his targets on serve, and suffocating Djokovic. The world No. 1 simply couldn’t match the Italian’s intensity or shot quality for those first two sets.
As Musetti pushed, Djokovic’s miscues mounted. By the eighth game of the second set, the 10-time champion had racked up 30 unforced errors against just 16 winners. Musetti held for 5-3 as a Djokovic forehand sailed well wide, and in the next game, the Italian peppered a screaming forehand winner down the line to seal the set.
However, the third set brought Musetti’s downfall in rapid fashion. He wore a look of resignation as the trainer worked over his right thigh during a medical timeout. He consulted his coaches and, according to ESPN, was told it was his body and his decision, and that they would support him no matter what.
Then it was over.
Get better soon, Lorenzo 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/Rk3d9EgSq5
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2026
With the win, Djokovic passes Roger Federer on the all-time Australian Open match-win list with 103 victories. He also becomes the second-oldest men’s singles semifinalist in tournament history, behind only Ken Rosewall.
The Serbian is now into his 13th Australian Open semifinal, where he will face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton on Friday.
“I just wasn’t feeling the ball the first couple of sets, but that’s also due to his quality and variety,” Djokovic said. “I’m extremely lucky to get through this one today.”
Odd as it sounds, Djokovic has not won a full set since the third round, having been given a walkover into the quarterfinals by Jakub Mensik.
“I should have been beaten. Two sets to love down and I get the win. I’m going to double my prayers tonight, for sure. Gratitude to the Gods for giving me this opportunity once again. I’m going to do my best to use it.”
