Lorenzo Musetti (left) shakes hands with Novak Djokovic after withdrawing from the quarter-final match. (AP photo) Novak Djokovic admitted he was “extremely lucky” to still be standing at the Australian Open after a dramatic and unexpected turn of events on Wednesday saw him reach the semi-finals. The 10-times Melbourne champion advanced when Italian Lorenzo Musetti retired despite holding a commanding lead from two sets to love, keeping alive Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Musetti, seeded fifth, was in full control of the quarter-finals and led 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when he was forced to retire after treatment on his upper right leg. The Italian’s movement was visibly compromised and although he tried to continue, he had no choice but to call time on the match.It was a big disappointment for Djokovic. The Serbian great, who was vying to overtake Margaret Court on the all-time list, struggled badly and produced an unusually high number of errors. “I really feel sorry for him, he was a much better player, I was on my way home tonight,” Djokovic said honestly after the match. “It’s happened to me a couple of times. He was in full control. So bad luck, I don’t know what else to say. He should have been the winner today, without a doubt. I’m extremely lucky to have done it today.”
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Before Musetti’s injury, Djokovic looked like a shadow of his usual self. He missed 18 unforced errors in the opening set alone and had 32 by the time the match ended prematurely. Musetti’s athletic court coverage and fearless shooting repeatedly exposed the 38-year-old, who was broken four times in the first two sets.The complexion of the match suddenly changed early in the third set when Musetti needed medical attention for a thigh problem. His movement deteriorated rapidly and he was forced to retire after falling behind.Despite the wealth, the win had historic weight for Djokovic. It was his 103rd singles victory at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer and sending him to a record-extending 54th Grand Slam semi-final. Djokovic will now face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or American Ben Shelton for a place in the final.
