Australian Open 2026: Tennis world rallies around World No.5 after sad reveal before clash with Novak Djokovic

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti has been showered with support from around the tennis world after two members of his coaching staff were forced to fly home before Wednesday's Australian Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic. The World No.5 booked his spot against the 24-time major winner in the last-eight after an emphatic 6-2 7-5 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz.

But Musetti had to do it without long-time coach Simone Tartarini and fitness trainer Damiano Fiorucci in his player’s box. Tartarini rushed back to Italy following the death of his mother, while Fiorucci also had to return home for personal reasons. And Musetti will once again be without them for one of the the biggest matches of his career.

"It’s not easy to wake up every day, we have been a bit unlucky off court," the Italian said after his victory over Fritz. “For personal reasons, they needed to go back. But they are here in the heart, it’s tough for me to speak. When real life knocks on the door it’s really surprising and you always understand life better."

Musetti is playing in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park for the first time and will be eyeing more history against 10-time champion, Djokovic, as he battles for a spot in the last-four. And he insists the setback with his coaching staff has only steeled his resolve and the belief he can topple the Serbian legend.

“I feel more mature on the court. I’m playing better also for that and for them," the Italian said about his coaching staff. "I want to continue. I want to keep pushing myself more and more. I have a huge challenge ahead. I feel ready to do it.”

Novak Djokovic has dominated Lorenzo Musetti previously

Musetti has reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon and the French Open but had never previously been past the third round at Melbourne Park. And he'll be up against it playing 10-time champion Djokovic, who's enjoyed an extra couple of days rest after fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik pulled out injured and granted the Serb a free passage to the quarter-finals.

Djokovic has dominated Musetti previously and leads their career head-to-head meetings 9-1. The Italian’s only win was back in 2023 on clay in the round of 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters.

“I have played Novak many times, and it’s always a lesson. It’s an honour to play against him; every time he’s left something in me, and that helped me win, even if only once, against him, albeit in very different conditions,” he said. “Novak didn’t have to play... he won’t be tired, but I’ll be ready to push him to the limit.”

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