Novak Djokovic advanced to yet another Australian Open semifinal, but the milestone came with little celebration and plenty of self-critique. After watching fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti retire with an injury while holding a two-set lead, Djokovic did not frame the moment as a fortunate escape.
Instead, he admitted he “underperformed” and insisted that reaching the last four of a Grand Slam means nothing unless his level rises fast.
A Closer Look at Lorenzo Musetti’s Commanding Start and the Injury That Changed the Match
On Jan. 28, 2026, Djokovic reached his 13th Australian Open semifinal in bittersweet fashion after Musetti was forced to retire due to a right thigh injury. Musetti had played a masterclass for two hours, leading 6-4, 6-3, and seemed destined for a historic upset. However, the Italian’s movement collapsed early in the third set, and he eventually withdrew while trailing 1-3.
Musetti, who had felt a “strange sensation” in his leg as early as the second set, saw his movement severely hampered by an upper right leg injury (thigh/groin strain). After taking a medical timeout while trailing 1-2, the Italian attempted to continue but was visibly unable to compete. He ultimately threw in the towel at 4-6, 3-6, 3-1 (Ret.), becoming the first player in the Open Era to retire from a Grand Slam quarterfinal while leading by two sets.
The victory was steeped in history for Djokovic, marking his 1,400th tour-level match and his 103rd win at the Australian Open, which officially broke Roger Federer’s record for the most singles wins in the tournament’s history. Djokovic was trailing by two sets for the first time in a Melbourne quarterfinal since 2010.
Why Did Novak Djokovic Refuse To Celebrate His Semifinal Berth?
The ending left Djokovic through, but visibly unsatisfied. Asked whether he still believed his best tennis would surface at this stage of a Major, Djokovic praised Musetti’s variety and quality, calling it “great for sure,” but added, “I think I’ve underperformed for the level that I showed throughout this tournament up to today. So yeah, I have to play better. I mean, no doubt about it.”
He went on to explain that belief has never been the issue. “And I know that if I’m feeling well, my body’s holding up, and I’m playing well, then I always have a chance. It’s the semifinals of a Grand Slam. So in terms of confidence and motivation, of course it’s always there. I mean, it must be. Otherwise, what’s the point of competing?”
This win kept Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title alive. Having benefited from two consecutive mid-match advancements, a rested but cautious Djokovic now moves on to face two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the blockbuster semifinal clash.
This is going to be their 11th meeting on the ATP Tour, with the Italian holding a 6-4 lead in their head-to-head record. They last met at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships semifinals, where Sinner won in straight sets. The winner of this match will face either top seed Carlos Alcaraz or third seed Alexander Zverev in the championship match.
