Djokovic reaches 13th Australian Open Semi-Final after Musetti retires

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 13th Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday following the retirement of Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti due to injury, setting up a blockbuster clash with reigning champion Jannik Sinner.

The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, was trailing 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when Musetti was forced to withdraw after sustaining an upper-right leg problem. Djokovic had earlier benefited from a walkover against Jakub Mensik in the round of 16.

“I feel really sorry for him; he was the far better player today. I was on my way home,” Djokovic admitted. “He should have been the winner—extremely unlucky. I’m very fortunate to get through.”

Despite the setback, Djokovic’s focus now shifts to Sinner, who dismantled American Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. The Italian, world number two and second seed, holds a 6-4 head-to-head advantage over Djokovic and has won their last five encounters.

“Djokovic sets the standard for professionalism,” Sinner said. “As a 24-year-old, I’m lucky to have him as an example and hope to learn from him.”

In the other men’s semi-final, world number one Carlos Alcaraz faces third seed Alexander Zverev.

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Pegula, Rybakina Advance in Women’s Draw

On the women’s side, American sixth seed Jessica Pegula and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina booked semi-final spots with straight-set victories. Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (7-1), while Rybakina stunned second seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1.

Pegula, 31, is aiming for her first major title, having reached her first Australian Open semi-final after a decisive win over defending champion Madison Keys in the previous round. Meanwhile, Rybakina, 26, seeks her second Melbourne final after a previous runner-up finish in 2023.

The women’s semi-finals set up Pegula against Rybakina, while two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka faces Ukrainian 12th seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.

Rybakina reflected on her progress: “Now I feel like I’m just doing my job, trying to improve each day. It’s another match, another opportunity.”

Swiatek’s defeat ended her latest bid to complete a career Grand Slam, having already won Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open.