Novak Djokovic was the first to admit he was lucky to be back in the Australian Open semifinals instead of Lorenzo Musetti.
Despite being two sets down, slowed by a serious blister on his foot and already thinking about his flight home, the 24-time major winner won Wednesday’s quarterfinal when fifth-seeded Musetti retired through injury.
Musetti took the first two sets 6-4, 6-3 but needed a medical timeout for treatment on his upper right leg after being broken in the third game of the third. The 23-year-old Italian player tried to keep going for almost two games but couldn’t continue.
After serving a double-fault in the fifth game to give Djokovic another break-point chance, Musetti wiped a hand across his face, walked toward the net and removed his headband before exchanging a handshake and quick hug.
“I honestly have no words to describe how I’m feeling right now and how tough it is for me this injury in this moment,” Musetti said. “I felt there was something strange in my right leg. I continued to play because I was playing really, really, really well, but I was feeling that the pain was increasing and the problem was not going away.”
sports
