AO 2026: Djokovic escapes, Rybakina in control

Heartbreak for Musetti

It’s not every day you find yourself leading Djokovic by two sets to love at a Grand Slam, least of all at the Australian Open; but that’s a position Lorenzo Musetti was in on Wednesday afternoon on Rod Laver Arena.

The Italian No.5 seed was using his variety to great effect, unsettling Djokovic as he marched to a 6-4, 6-3 advantage. Early in the third, after Djokovic had received treatment for blisters on his right foot, Musetti called for the trainer for a right leg problem.

After dominating from the baseline and covering the court incredibly well, Musetti struggled to move and retired while down 1-3 in the third.

It was a huge blow for Musetti, who entered the match with a 1-9 head-to-head record against Djokovic, and was seeking a maiden Australian Open semi-final.

Djokovic, who received a walkover in the previous round due to the withdrawal of Jakub Mensik, admitted he got lucky on Wednesday, saying Musetti was clearly the better player on court.

“I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him. He was a far better player, I was on my way home tonight,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said on court.

He later added in his press conference: “It is a very physical game. Today's example with Musetti is really clearly showing how challenging this sport is. He was a better player on the court. He was close to win it. He was in the control, and then obviously something happens.

“That's the beauty of tennis as an individual sport but also a huge challenge.

“It's horrible, particularly when you are feeling you're playing very well, like he was, and you can't perform the way you want to. It's just your body is not letting you. That's a hard one to swallow, but that's the sport we are in.”

Djokovic has now taken sole ownership of the all-time record for most Australian Open singles match-wins, ahead of Roger Federer, with 103 victories at Melbourne Park.

His reward is a semi-final clash against two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has won his last five matches against the Serb.

“I don't feel like I'm chasing. I'm creating my own history,” said Djokovic, when asked about the current dominance of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. The quality and the level is amazing. It's great. It's phenomenal. But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I'm going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them.”

Musetti was understandably heartbroken when addressing the press following his retirement.

“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,” said the 23-year-old.

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