Novak Djokovic advanced to his 13th Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired with an injury during their quarter-final match. The victory, though not achieved on the court, moves the 38-year-old Djokovic closer to a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and a potential showdown with defending champion Jannik Sinner. Elsewhere in the tournament, Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina also secured their spots in the semi-finals.
The match between Djokovic and Musetti took an unexpected turn when the Italian player began experiencing issues with his upper right leg. Despite initially attempting to continue, Musetti was ultimately forced to concede the match while trailing 6-4, 6-3, 1-3. This marks the second time in the tournament that Djokovic has benefited from an opponent’s withdrawal, with Jakub Mensik also forfeiting their match in the previous round.
Djokovic’s Path to the Australian Open Final
Djokovic expressed sympathy for Musetti, acknowledging the Italian’s strong start to the match. He admitted to struggling with his own game and feeling fortunate to advance. The Serbian player also revealed he received treatment for a blister during the match, adding to the unusual circumstances of his quarter-final win.
This win comes as Djokovic continues his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title, surpassing Margaret Court’s long-standing record. However, the emergence of younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has made this goal increasingly challenging. Sinner, in particular, poses a significant threat, having won six of their ten previous encounters, including the last five.
Sinner demonstrated his dominance earlier on Wednesday, defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The Italian’s consistent performance and powerful serve proved too much for the American eighth seed. He now looks poised for a tough battle against Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Women’s Semi-Finals Set
In the women’s draw, Elena Rybakina continued her impressive run, defeating second seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, appears to be finding her stride in Melbourne, showcasing a calmer and more focused mindset. She will face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
Pegula secured her place in the final four with a straight-set victory over fellow American Amanda Anisimova, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1). Despite Anisimova’s spirited effort, Pegula’s consistency and ability to capitalize on her opponent’s errors proved decisive. The match highlighted Anisimova’s struggles with unforced errors, totaling 44 throughout the contest.
The other women’s semi-final will feature Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time champion, against Elina Svitolina. Rybakina, who lost to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open final, will be looking to avenge that defeat and reach her second final in Melbourne. The women’s competition has been marked by upsets and strong performances, setting the stage for exciting semi-final clashes.
Looking ahead, the semi-final matches will be crucial in determining the finalists for both the men’s and women’s singles events. Djokovic’s match against Sinner is particularly anticipated, given their recent head-to-head record and the stakes involved. The outcome of these matches will significantly shape the narrative of the Australian Open and the broader landscape of professional tennis. The men’s and women’s finals are scheduled for the weekend, but the path to those matches remains uncertain, with potential for further surprises and compelling competition.
ATP Tour and WTA Tennis will continue to provide updates throughout the tournament.
