World No. 4 and Serbian tennis sensation Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title continues as he reached the semifinals of the Australian Open 2026. This advancement came after a walkover, as Italy's Lorenzo Musetti had to retire due to injury during their quarterfinal match on January 28.
Initially, Djokovic was trailing after losing the first two sets and was attempting to rally in the third set. Musetti, who had a commanding lead of 6-4, 6-3 and was ahead 1-3 in the third, had to withdraw due to an upper-right leg injury, allowing Djokovic to progress to the semifinals at Melbourne Park.
Throughout the match, Djokovic struggled with his performance, hampered by a blister on his foot, which was heavily taped by his physiotherapist. This allowed Musetti to take control early on until the unfortunate injury forced him to retire.
A Surprising Turn of Events
After losing the first two sets, it seemed that Djokovic's hopes for an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam were dashed. However, fortune smiled upon him when Musetti's injury shifted the momentum in Djokovic's favor.
In a post-match interview, Djokovic expressed his disbelief at advancing under such circumstances, admitting he felt 'lucky' and had even contemplated going home after the initial setbacks.
He stated, 'I feel really sorry for him; he was the far better player. I was on my way home tonight.' Djokovic acknowledged Musetti's dominance during the match and expressed sympathy for his opponent.
Fans React to Djokovic's 'Luck'
The unexpected turn of events in Djokovic's quarterfinal match sparked a wave of reactions from fans on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Many expressed their astonishment at Djokovic's fortune, labeling it as 'unreal' and 'satanic', suggesting he had consumed all the luck available.
While some fans sympathized with Musetti, who appeared poised to win before his injury, others humorously noted Djokovic's series of fortunate breaks throughout the tournament.
Comments ranged from disbelief at Djokovic's luck to admiration for Musetti's performance, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports.
Djokovic's Record-Breaking Achievements
With this narrow escape, Djokovic has now surpassed Roger Federer's record for the most match wins at the Australian Open, achieving 103 victories at the tournament. This milestone further solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Additionally, Djokovic made history by becoming the first player to reach 400 match wins in Grand Slam history, showcasing his remarkable consistency and longevity in the sport.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Showdown
As Djokovic prepares for his semifinal match, questions arise about whether his recent luck can propel him to a 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian star faces World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who has been a formidable opponent in recent encounters.
Sinner has triumphed in six of their last eight matches since 2023, including key victories at the French Open and Wimbledon. Djokovic's upcoming challenge will test his ability to convert his fortunate circumstances into a historic achievement at Melbourne Park.
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