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Djokovic Reaches Australian Open Semi‑Finals as Musetti Retires, Faces Sinner

Updated (5 articles)
  • Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open
    Image: BBC
    Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open Source Full size
  • Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not dropped a set in his three wins over Spain's Pedro Martinez, Italy's Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands
    Image: BBC
    Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not dropped a set in his three wins over Spain's Pedro Martinez, Italy's Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands Source Full size
  • Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not dropped a set in his three wins over Spain's Pedro Martinez, Italy's Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands
    Image: BBC
    Image caption, Novak Djokovic has not dropped a set in his three wins over Spain's Pedro Martinez, Italy's Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands Source Full size

Djokovic advances after Musetti’s thigh injury forces retirement Lorenzo Musetti led 6‑4, 6‑3 and was up 3‑1 in the third set before a worsening thigh problem compelled him to withdraw, handing Novak Djokovic a 2‑1 match win and a place in the semi‑finals[1]. Djokovic had treated foot blisters after the second set and still managed only one ace while committing 18 unforced errors[1]. The victory puts Djokovic back on a path toward a possible record 25th Grand Slam title, his first major win since the 2023 US Open[1].

Walkover and unbeaten run set the stage for the quarter‑finals Earlier, fourth‑round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal muscle injury, granting Djokovic a walk‑over into the last eight and extra rest before facing Musetti[3]. Djokovic entered the tournament without dropping a set, having defeated Pedro Martinez, Francesco Maestrelli and Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets[2]. His Melbourne Park record now includes ten Australian Open titles and 102 wins from 112 matches on the venue’s hard courts[2].

Physical hurdles persist despite recent successes Djokovic continues to battle lingering injuries, noting past hamstring, leg, groin and fatigue issues that have affected his Grand Slam campaigns in 2024‑2025[2]. The thigh injury that ended Musetti’s run adds to concerns about Djokovic’s durability as the tournament progresses into hotter conditions forecast up to 42 °C[3]. Nevertheless, he expressed “really good” feelings after his third‑round win and remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming matches[3].

Semi‑final showdown set against two‑time champion Jannik Sinner Djokovic will meet world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who defeated Ben Shelton 6‑3, 6‑4, 6‑4 to reach the semi‑finals[1]. Their head‑to‑head record heavily favors Djokovic at 6‑1, though Sinner has won the last eight Grand Slams collectively with Carlos Alcaraz[2]. The match promises a clash between Djokovic’s experience and Sinner’s recent dominance as both vie for the coveted 2026 Australian Open title[1].

Sources

Timeline

Jan 17, 2026 – Djokovic announces he pursues a record 25th Grand Slam at the Australian Open, saying the goal “is not a make‑or‑break aim” and stressing that “when I am healthy and can piece my game together, I believe I can beat anybody,” while also stepping back from the Professional Tennis Players’ Association over transparency and governance concerns, highlighting ongoing player‑authority tensions [5].

Jan 19, 2026 – Djokovic records his 100th Australian Open win by beating Pedro Martinez 6‑3, 6‑2, 6‑2, dropping only five service points, holding eight love serves and winning 93 % of first‑serve points with 14 aces; he calls the centurion milestone “a nice feeling” and says it fuels his chase for a 25th major, and former doubles champion Mark Woodforde hails his serve as “supreme and exceptional” [4].

Jan 25, 2026 – Jakub Mensik withdraws with an abdominal‑muscle injury, granting Djokovic a walk‑over into the quarter‑finals; Djokovic remains unbeaten and set‑scoreless, says “I feel really good” but warns against getting ahead of himself, recalls three of his four 2025 Grand Slam runs derailed by injuries, and the draw now sets a possible semi‑final versus Jannik Sinner and a final versus Carlos Alcaraz [3].

Jan 27, 2026 – Djokovic posts three straight straight‑set victories, including a third‑round win over Botic van de Zandschulp where he narrowly avoids a default after striking near a ball‑girl and calls himself “lucky”; his record ten Australian Open titles and 102 wins from 112 matches at Melbourne Park underscore his historical dominance, while he notes lingering setbacks from a 2024 Australian Open hamstring, a 2024 French Open leg injury, a Wimbledon groin issue and US Open semi‑final fatigue that raise stamina concerns [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – Lorenzo Musetti retires with a thigh injury while leading 6‑4, 6‑3, 3‑1, handing Djokovic a semi‑final berth; despite battling foot blisters and committing 18 unforced errors, Djokovic advances to meet two‑time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi‑final, keeping his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam alive and setting up a potential showdown with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final [1].

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