Australian Open: Djokovic, Jannik To Rekindle Rivalry In Semi-finals

 

Novak Djokovic made a triumphant entry into the semi-finals as Lorenzo Musetti walked over the match, despite having a two-set lead due to injury. 

Musetti was leading by a commanding 6-4, 6-3, claiming his first break point at 2 - 2 40/15 of the opening set. He dictated the second set, winning three more breaks to lead by two sets to love. He was having the match of his career until Djokovic was fired up in the third. 

Djokovic established his control in the third by taking a 3-1. Should he win the set, the match might go the distance to a five-setter thriller for Djokovic to win. Fatigue began to set in for Musetti. He was unable to run due to an injury, and he retired from the match. 

Arguably a lucky progression for Djokovic. Nevertheless, he was up to the task of going as he was on a break at 3-1 40/15 when Musetti retired. The match ended as the second match in a row that an opponent would walk over playing against the 38-year-old in this tournament. In his previous match, Jakub Mensik walked over their fourth round match, giving the 10-time champion an entry to the quarter-finals. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic is bidding for his 25th Grand Slam title and his first title in Melbourne since winning his last in 2024. He reached a record milestone of 400th Grand Slam match victory during his match against Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round. 

He will face the defending champion, Jannik Sinner, in the semi-final, reliving their rivalry from last season. He was beaten by Jannik in the semi-final as the Italian champion progressed to win his second consecutive Australian Open title. 

In a separate match, Jannik defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets by 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and set up a semi-final showdown with the 2024 Australian Open champion, Djokovic.