Novak Djokovic said he would say extra prayers on Wednesday night after getting a big stroke of luck in the Australian Open quarter-finals. The Serbian star was clearly outplayed for two sets by Lorenzo Musetti, who was in great form, before the Italian was forced to retire due to injury while leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
Musetti was on his way to one of the biggest wins of his career, controlling the match from the baseline and taking a strong lead before he had to stop playing.
Djokovic said he felt very sorry for Musetti and admitted the Italian was the better player on the day. He said he was already preparing to leave the tournament before the injury changed everything.
According to Djokovic, such moments are part of sport, but it was especially painful because Musetti was leading by two sets and fully in control in a Grand Slam quarter-final. He described the situation as very unfortunate and wished Musetti a quick recovery, adding that Musetti clearly deserved to win the match.
Despite Djokovic’s strong 9–1 record against Musetti before the match, their meetings have often been tough and dramatic. One of the most memorable was their late-night match at the 2024 French Open, which Djokovic won in five hard sets after struggling to break through Musetti’s strong defence. That history may explain why Djokovic tried to end points quickly in this match. He went to the net many times in the first set, using serve-and-volley tactics and trying to attack early.
However, the plan did not work. Musetti is one of the quickest players on tour and has many different shots. He repeatedly passed Djokovic at the net with fine shots, served well, and used his forehand effectively to take a two-set lead.
Djokovic later received medical treatment for blisters on his right foot, which was heavily taped. He appeared to be in serious discomfort during the treatment and spent much of the third set stretching between points.
Soon after, Musetti also needed medical attention. While serving at 1–1 in the third set, he began to struggle with his movement and stopped chasing the ball on Djokovic’s break point. He called for the physio and was treated for a right thigh injury. It became clear that he could not continue properly and had little chance of competing, so he retired while trailing 1–3.
A win over Djokovic would have been one of the biggest moments of Musetti’s career. It would have been his first Grand Slam semi-final on a hard court and could have helped him reach a new career-high ranking. Instead, what could have been a special day ended in disappointment.
The tournament has already been a lucky one for Djokovic, who earlier received a walkover in the fourth round. After the match, he said he would double his prayers and thank God for another opportunity.