Novak Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title is still alive, having scraped into the Australian Open semi-finals after fellow player Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured when leading by two sets. The fifth-seeded Serbian looked wayward, error-strewn and irritable against the inspired Italian in front of a stunned crowd.
Djokovic started sharply against Musetti, going an immediate break up but then spectacularly lost his way. A dreadful miss on an overhead handed the break back to Musetti and Djokovic never recovered, sending down just one ace and committing 18 unforced errors to nine winners on his way to losing the first set.
After breaking Musetti in the second set, Djokovic hit five unforced errors in six points to hand the initiative back. Despite anchoring by an improved serve, Djokovic struggled to find any rhythm against the Italian's strong all-court game.
The 23-year-old Serb great looked devastated as he acknowledged that his opponent was a "far better player". He admitted to feeling sorry for Musetti and wished him a speedy recovery.
Djokovic will face an uphill battle in the semi-finals, having not won a set since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp. The Serbian will need to be at his best if he is to limit his time on court, keep points short and hope some good fortune goes his way.
He could have been tested physically had the match continued after receiving treatment for blisters on his feet at the end of the second set. Djokovic will now face Jannik Sinner, who has won six of their past seven meetings.
Djokovic started sharply against Musetti, going an immediate break up but then spectacularly lost his way. A dreadful miss on an overhead handed the break back to Musetti and Djokovic never recovered, sending down just one ace and committing 18 unforced errors to nine winners on his way to losing the first set.
After breaking Musetti in the second set, Djokovic hit five unforced errors in six points to hand the initiative back. Despite anchoring by an improved serve, Djokovic struggled to find any rhythm against the Italian's strong all-court game.
The 23-year-old Serb great looked devastated as he acknowledged that his opponent was a "far better player". He admitted to feeling sorry for Musetti and wished him a speedy recovery.
Djokovic will face an uphill battle in the semi-finals, having not won a set since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp. The Serbian will need to be at his best if he is to limit his time on court, keep points short and hope some good fortune goes his way.
He could have been tested physically had the match continued after receiving treatment for blisters on his feet at the end of the second set. Djokovic will now face Jannik Sinner, who has won six of their past seven meetings.
. I mean, who loses to an injured guy by two sets? That's like me winning a game of Mario Kart when I'm the only one still awake 
. Seriously though, he'll need to get his A-game (and some blister-friendly socks) ready for Sinner in the semis. On the bright side, Djoko's showing class by being all sympathetic towards Musetti – that's what we call a Grand Slam gentleman 
. The real question is: can Djoko's nerves get him through this one without turning into a tennis tantrum-throwing toddler? Fingers crossed! 
he was so down after that first set and it showed in his game. musetti played really well and Djoko just couldn't catch up. now he has to face sinner who is like a total opposite of him - all court skills for sure! 
i hope djoko can turn his game around tho, cant imagine how frustrating it must be for him 
I was on the edge of my seat watching Djokovic struggle against Musetti 
. Two sets down and he's looking like he's lost his mojo 
It looks like a tough ask for him to turn it around now, but you never know in tennis - anything can happen! 
Still, gotta feel for the young Serbian, must be gut-wrenching to go down two sets like that 
. How do you think Djokovic can bounce back from this?
can't believe he retired injured tho 
anyway, djokovic needs to get back to basics and hope some luck is on his side 
! Can't believe Novak is having to play after that long break in his last match due to blisters on his feet 
. It's like they're setting him up for a disaster, forcing him to recover and refocus mid-tournament. And now he's gotta face Sinner, who's been dominating their head-to-heads 
I'm so surprised he made it to the semi-finals 
! He looked way off his game against Musetti 
... will he be able to pull it off again? 
.
. Djokovic will need to bring his A-game if he wants to make a deep run 
. Maybe they should get some extra physio time to figure out their blisters 
?
. I mean, 18 unforced errors against Musetti? That's just crazy! He looked like he was struggling to even find his footing on court. And now he's got Sinner waiting for him, who's always seemed one step ahead of Djokovic 
anyway, djokovic's gonna have to bring his A game if he wants to win the whole thing. and ugh, those blisters on his feet look painful 
hope he can recover in time for the semi-finals...