Musetti retires with injury, sending Djokovic to AO semis

World number four Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals on Wednesday after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired with a right groin injury despite leading by two sets.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lorenzo Musetti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Musetti was on course for the biggest win of his career after taking the opening sets 6-4, 6-3 against a below-par Djokovic. However, he suffered the injury early in the third set, struggled with his movement and retired while trailing 3-1.

Djokovic had taken a medical timeout after the second set, with his right foot strapped due to a blister.

"I feel really sorry for him. He was a far better player, I was on my way home," Djokovic said. "These things happen in sport. It's so unfortunate. He should have been a winner today."

Djokovic entered the quarterfinal after receiving a walkover in the fourth round when 16th seed Jakub Mensik withdrew with injury.

Lorenzo Musetti (C) of Italy receives medical treatment during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lorenzo Musetti of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)