Serbia’s Novak Djokovic admitted he got lucky after opponent Lorenzo Musetti of Italy retired hurt on Wednesday to send the 24-time Grand Slam winner into his 13th Australian Open semi-final and a showdown with reigning champion Jannik Sinner.
The 38-year-old Djokovic seems to have the tennis gods smiling on him. His last-16 opponent Jakub Mensik pulled out without a ball being hit and Musetti was forced to retire with the Italian leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 on Rod Laver Arena.
The World No. 5 was well on top when he needed treatment on his upper right leg, and with his movement badly impeded, was forced to reluctantly throw in the towel.
“I feel really sorry for him, he was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight,” said World No. 4 Djokovic, who had been uncharacteristically error strewn and staring down the barrel.
“It has happened to me a few times. He was in full control. So unfortunate. He should have been the winner today no doubt. I am extremely lucky to get through this one today. I am going to double my prayers and gratitude tonight to God for giving me this opportunity again,” he added.
Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner stormed into the last four by sweeping past USA’s Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. “It is very tough to play against Ben. He has a huge serve and I feel like he is improving so much, year after year. So, I am very happy with today’s performance,” said the victorious Italian.
One
No. of times Novak Djokovic has lost to Lorenzo Musetti in nine matches
1400
No. of Tour-level matches Djokovic has played; third player to surpass that mark
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