Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo ‌Musetti video: Djokovic's record Grand Slam title dream still alive, Serbian star enters Australian Open semi-finals after Musetti injury

Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic stormed into the semi-final of the Australian Open 2026 on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) after fifth seed Lorenzo ‌Musetti quit their Australian Open quarter-final match due to an injury. The victory kept the Serbian's quest for a ⁠record Grand Slam title on track.

Musetti retired after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne ‌Park ‍on Wednesday. The Italian star was leading 6-4 6-3 ‌1-3 meant Djokovic pulled off a great escape at his most successful hunting ‍ground, with the 10-times champion's ‍bid ⁠for a ⁠standalone 25th major to break the tie with Margaret Court still alive.

Musetti's injury and Djokovic's luck

The Italian was well on top when he withdrew after treatment on his upper right leg, with his movement badly impeded. It was a huge stroke of luck for the error-riddled 10-time Melbourne winner Djokovic, who will now play either defending champion Jannik Sinner or American eighth seed Ben Shelton for a place in the final. The let-off kept alive his bid to secure a record 25th major title.

Djokovic has been trying to move past Margaret Court and clinch the landmark since his last one at the US Open in 2023. It has proved increasingly difficult with the emergence of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. ‘I feel really sorry for him’ Djokovic on ‌Musetti’s injury

"I feel really sorry for him; he was the far better player. I was on my way home tonight," said Djokovic. "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."

Djokovic betters his own record

With victory, Djokovic claimed sole ownership of most singles wins at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer with his 103rd. It also put him into a 54th Slam semi-final to extend his own record. But it looked to all be over for the 38-year-old.