Djokovic reaches Australian Open semifinal after Musetti retires injured

Djokovic reaches Australian Open semifinal after Musetti retires injuredFormer champion Novak Djokovic is through to last 4 in Melbourne after frontrunner Lorenzo Musetti suffers groin injury.Published On 28 Jan 2026An “extremely lucky” Novak Djokovic survived a huge scare to reach the Australian Open semifinals on Wednesday when Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt while two sets up, keeping alive the Serbian great’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam crown.The fifth-seeded Italian was well on top and leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when he withdrew after treatment on his upper right leg, with his movement badly impeded.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Pegula sets up Australian Open semi against Rybakina as Swiatek crashes outlist 2 of 4Jose hopes to haunt Real in crunch UCL league phase finale – all to knowlist 3 of 4Why is Pakistan backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup row with India?list 4 of 4Benfica’s Jose to kill Real with love, says Madrid boss ‘like his child’end of listIt 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, 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 was dominated by Musetti during their quarterfinal match on Rod Laver Arena [Izhar Khan/AFP]Victory snatched from the jaws of defeatWith the victory against Musetti, 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 semifinal to extend his own record.