Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open after Lorenzo Musetti retired through injury in their quarter-final matchup.

Musetti won the first two sets 6-4 6-3 before suffering a thigh injury early in the third, and despite receiving treatment during a medical timeout, he shook hands with Djokovic while trailing 3-1 in the third.

There were three breaks of serve in the first five games of the opening set, with two going in favour of Musetti, who then saved three break points on his way to taking the first.

It was a similar story in the second, with Musetti taking each of Djokovic’s first two service games before converting another break point in the final game to take the set 6-3.

However, things took a turn in the third, with the Italian struggling to serve and eventually move at all, as he was forced to retire from the match.

"He was a far better player - I was on my way home tonight," said Djokovic after the match.

"I don't know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him.

"I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there's no doubt."

Djokovic, who also saw fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdraw before their match, will face either reigning champion Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the last four.

2 - Novak Djokovic is now the second-oldest Men’s Singles semi-finalist at the Australian Open in the Open Era, younger only than Ken Rosewall in 1976 and 1977 (surpassing Roger Federer’s last in 2020). Experience.#AusOpen | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/HpOQxtlC5X

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 28, 2026

Data Debrief: Djokovic takes outright lead in Melbourne

Djokovic has now made the semi-finals at the Australian Open for the fourth year in a row for the first time in his career (2023-2026).

He will also be the second-oldest men’s singles semi-finalist at the competition in the Open Era, younger only than Ken Rosewall in 1976 and 1977 (surpassing Roger Federer’s last in 2020).

Djokovic’s 103rd win in Melbourne means he now has the outright most at the Australian Open, while only Rafael Nadal at the French Open (112) and Roger Federer at Wimbledon (105) have more at a specific grand slam event.

Musetti, meanwhile, is the first player in the Open Era to retire in a grand slam quarter-final or onwards after taking the first two sets.