Injury drama in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open: Lorenzo Musetti was leading 2-0 in the sets against Novak Djokovic before he suffered an injury and had to retire in the third round.
Lorenzo Musetti has everything under control in the quarter-final against Novak Djokovic, winning the first two sets 6:4 and 6:3 and is well on his way to reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time. But then the Italian is slowed down by an adductor injury - and has to retire from the match at 1:3 in the third set.
Musetti disappears into the dressing room in tears - and Djokovic appears for the victory interview he no longer thought possible. "I don't know what to say. I'm very sorry for him. He was clearly the better player, I was on my way home. These things happen in sport."
Musetti has "no words"
The injury-related withdrawal was a repeat of what Musetti had already experienced against Djokovic. In the round of 16 of the 2021 French Open, he also won the first two sets, but then had to retire in the fifth round due to cramps and back pain.
Musetti, who believes he tore a muscle fiber, was deeply disappointed after the bitter exit. "I have no words to say how difficult it is for me," said the world number five from Italy. "It's definitely my most bitter task, considering how well I played and looking at the score."
Djokovic now meets Sinner
Djokovic had already benefited from an injury to his opponent in the round of 16. The Czech Jakub Mensik was unable to compete at all due to problems with his abdominal muscles. The Serb will now face defending champion Sinner. The Italian clearly defeated Ben Shelton from the USA 6:3, 6:4, 6:4 and showed his best tournament performance to date. The Italian has now reached a Grand Slam semi-final for the sixth time in a row and is unbeaten in 19 matches in Melbourne.
