Novak Djokovic admitted fortune favoured him on Wednesday after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured, handing the Serbian a place in the semi-finals where he will face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton.
The result continued a remarkable run of luck for the 38-year-old as the tournament reached its decisive stages in Melbourne.
Earlier on day 11, Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina both progressed in straight sets and will now clash for a spot in the final. Djokovic, meanwhile, remains on course for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a milestone that would see him move clear of Margaret Court.
Djokovic’s path to the last four has been unusual. His fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew before play began, and on Wednesday Musetti was unable to finish despite being in a commanding position.
The fifth-seeded Italian was leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 on Rod Laver Arena when he required medical attention for his upper right leg. With his movement severely restricted, Musetti had no option but to retire.
“I feel really sorry for him, he was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight,” Djokovic said after the match.
“It has happened to me a few times. He was in full control.
“So unfortunate, I don’t what else to say.
“He should have been the winner today no doubt. I am extremely lucky to get through this one today.”
Djokovic, whose last major title came at the US Open in 2023, has found his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th crown increasingly challenging amid the rise of players like Sinner and world number one Carlos Alcaraz. During the match, the Serbian also required treatment for a blister and admitted he would reflect on his good fortune.
“I am going to double my prayers and gratitude tonight to God for giving me this opportunity again,” he added.
Italian second seed Sinner and American eighth seed Shelton were scheduled to meet in the final match of the day, with Djokovic awaiting the winner in the semi-finals.
In the women’s draw, Moscow-born Kazakh Elena Rybakina produced a commanding performance to defeat second seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1, ending the Pole’s latest bid for a career Grand Slam. The 2022 Wimbledon champion booked her place in the last four with an assured display.
Rybakina, who reached the Melbourne final in 2023 before losing a three-set battle to Aryna Sabalenka, said experience had helped her remain composed.
“In the beginning, when it’s the first final and you go so far in a tournament, of course you are more emotional,” she said.
“Now I feel like I’m just doing my job, trying to improve each day. So it’s kind of another day, another match.”
Jessica Pegula also advanced after overpowering Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) in an all-American quarter-final. The sixth seed, who has not dropped a set in Melbourne this year, reached her first Australian Open semi-final at the age of 31.
“It’s awesome,” Pegula said after the win, which followed her earlier victory over defending champion Madison Keys.
Anisimova struggled with consistency, committing 44 unforced errors as her hopes of a third consecutive major semi-final slipped away. Pegula will now face Rybakina in a matchup that is finely balanced, with both players having won three of their previous six meetings.
In the other women’s semi-final, two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka is set to take on Ukrainian 12th seed Elina Svitolina.
What you should know
Novak Djokovic is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, which would make him the most successful singles player in major history.
His progress in Melbourne has been aided by the withdrawal of two opponents, underlining both the physical demands of elite tennis and the fine margins at the top level. On the women’s side, the semi-final lineup highlights the depth of the field, with Rybakina and Pegula both seeking their first Australian Open title.
The tournament is shaping up for high-stakes clashes as experience, form, and resilience come sharply into focus.
