Alpha News

Australian Open: Musetti Retires While Up 2-0 Sets Against Djokovic

Published January 28, 2026, 10:31

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals in an unusual way. While leading 2-0 sets (6-4, 6-3) against Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian tennis player was forced to retire due to a strong discomfort in his right thigh in the third set (where he was losing 3-1 in games). The match lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes. Djokovic, despite the unexpected turn of events, admitted that Musetti was better and that he was in a disadvantageous position. This is the seventh consecutive time Djokovic has reached the Australian Open semi-finals (and the 13th overall). In the semi-final, he will face the winner of the match between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic will compete for a place in the Australian Open final, after his successful run at Wimbledon 2024. Musetti's retirement gave Djokovic an unexpected advance to the tournament's final four.