Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking Grand Slam title stayed alive at the 2026 Australian Open on Wednesday, as the Serbian great advanced to the semi-finals after Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti retired injured during their quarter-final clash at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic was trailing 6-4, 6-3, 3-1 when fifth seed Musetti was forced to abandon the match due to injury, handing the 10-time Australian Open champion an unexpected reprieve. The result keeps Djokovic on course for a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would see him move clear of Margaret Court for the most major titles in tennis history.
The 38-year-old Serb was returning to competitive action after an extended break, having progressed to the quarter-finals via a fourth-round walkover against Jakub Mensik. Djokovic began sharply, mixing variety with controlled aggression to secure an early break, but lapses in consistency allowed Musetti to level the opening set before taking control.
Musetti, 23, produced confident shot-making from both wings to clinch the first set and then broke early in the second. Although Djokovic briefly recovered the break, the Italian regained momentum to take a commanding two-set lead, leaving the crowd on Rod Laver Arena sensing a major upset.
Djokovic received treatment for a foot blister early in the third set but responded by breaking serve to lead 2-1. Shortly afterwards, Musetti requested a medical timeout for what appeared to be a right thigh issue. Despite attempting to continue, the Italian was visibly hampered and eventually made the decision to retire, prompting an audible gasp from the spectators.
The victory marked Djokovic’s 103rd match win at the Australian Open, allowing him to surpass Roger Federer’s record for the most wins at the tournament.
Djokovic will next face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and American Ben Shelton, as he edges closer to another milestone at his most successful Grand Slam venue.
