All eyes were on Novak Djokovic, 38, and Lorenzo Musetti, 23, during the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open on January 27.
Musetti entered the matchup with a 9-1 record against Djokovic, his sole win coming from the Monte Carlo Masters in 2023. Djokovic, who already has 10 Australian Open titles under his belt, entered the quarterfinals with extra rest after his fourth-round opponent dropped out due to injury.
Musetti, gunning to win his first-ever Grand Slam title, played phenomenally against Djokovic. Despite dealing with off-the-court drama, the Italian star appeared to be on his way to the semifinals before a shocking turn of events in the third set.
GettyItaly’s Lorenzo Musetti walks off the court after retiring injured during his men’s singles quarter-final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.
Musetti was up two sets, 6-4, 6-3, and in the midst of the third set, 1-3, he suddenly retired due to what appeared to be a groin injury.
After Djokovic punched his ticket to what will be his 13th career Australian Open semifinal and his 54th career semifinal, he shared a brutally honest message about his opponent’s injury.
Novak Djokovic Admits ‘I Was On My Way Home’ Before Lorenzo Musetti Retired
GettyNovak Djokovic after winning the Men’s Singles Quarterfinal against Lorenzo Musetti at the 2026 Australian Open.
“I don’t know what to say except for I feel sorry for him,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “He was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight. Don’t know what to say, these kind of things happen in sport.
“It happened to me a few times. You know, being in quarters of a grand slam up two sets to love up and being in full control. I mean, so unfortunate. I don’t know what else to say. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should’ve been the winner today no doubt.”
Djokovic didn’t compete in the fourth round after his opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew due to injury. The veteran, who needed a medical timeout after the second set due to a blister, understands he has been skating by. “I had a walkover in the last round and today should have been beaten. Two sets down and I get the win,” Djokovic said, per BBC.
“I am going to double my prayers tonight, that’s for sure. Gratitude to God to giving me this opportunity once again. I am going to do my best in a couple of days to use it.”
Next up, Djokovic will play the winner of the quarterfinal between Ben Shelton (No. 8) and defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.
Fans Strongly Reacted to Novak Djokovic’s Luck at the Australian Open
GettySerbia’s Novak Djokovic (L) comforts Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti after Musetti retired injured during their men’s singles quarter-final match at the 2026 Australian Open.
Nobody wants to win because of an opponent’s injury, Djokovic included. However, viewers watching him move through two rounds with minimal effort drew a strong reaction on social media.
One fan posted, “How lucky can Djokovic actually be? Might be the luckiest tennis player of all time. Should’ve been out already, Mensik didn’t play (walkover). Was getting cooked by Musetti today before injury saved him again. Now he’s in the semifinals without really playing.”
Another fan wrote in part, “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. 😭.”
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