Novak Djokovic is through to the Australian Open semi finals after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets in their quarter final in Melbourne. The 38 year old Serbian, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, had been well below his best and was visibly frustrated for much of the match.
Fifth seed Musetti played with confidence and control, taking the first set 6 4 and the second 6 3 to move to the brink of his first Australian Open semi final. His strong serving and consistent one handed backhand repeatedly pushed Djokovic onto the defensive.
Early in the third set, Musetti began to struggle physically and called for a medical timeout to treat a thigh problem. With his movement badly restricted and his serve compromised, he retired while trailing 3 1 in the third, and was helped off the court by a member of his team.
Djokovic, who had also received treatment for blisters on his feet at the end of the second set, admitted in his on court interview that Musetti had been the better player. He said he had been “on my way home tonight” and wished the Italian a quick recovery.
The victory continues a fortunate run for Djokovic at this tournament. His fourth round opponent, Jakub Mensik, had already withdrawn injured, and Djokovic has not actually won a full match on court since his third round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on 24 January.
Despite surviving this scare, Djokovic knows he must raise his level to contend for an 11th Australian Open crown. Two time defending champion Jannik Sinner could be his next opponent, with the world number two facing American eighth seed Ben Shelton in the remaining quarter final.
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