Novak Djokovic admitted he was “extremely lucky” to still be standing at the Australian Open after a dramatic and unexpected turn of events carried him into the semi-finals on Wednesday. The 10-time Melbourne champion progressed when Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti retired injured despite holding a commanding two-sets-to-love lead, keeping alive Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Musetti, seeded fifth, was in full control of the quarter-final, leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, when he was forced to withdraw after receiving treatment on his upper right leg. The Italian’s movement was visibly compromised, and despite attempting to continue, he had little choice but to call time on his match.For Djokovic, it was a huge let-off. The Serbian great, bidding to move past Margaret Court on the all-time major list, was struggling badly and producing an unusually high number of errors. “I feel really sorry for him, he was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight,” Djokovic said candidly after the match. “It has happened to me a few times. He was in full control. So unfortunate, I don’t know what else to say. He should have been the winner today, no doubt. I am extremely lucky to get through this one today.”
Poll
Do you think Djokovic will break Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record?
Before Musetti’s injury, Djokovic looked a shadow of his usual self. He leaked 18 unforced errors in the opening set alone and had already racked up 32 by the time the match ended prematurely. Musetti’s athletic court coverage and fearless shot-making repeatedly exposed the 38-year-old, who was broken four times across the first two sets.The complexion of the match changed abruptly early in the third set when Musetti required medical attention for a thigh issue. His movement deteriorated rapidly, and after falling behind, he was forced to retire.Despite the fortune, the win carried historic weight for Djokovic. It was his 103rd singles victory at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer, and sent him into 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.
