After Mensik’s withdrawal in the round of 16, the Serbian led 2 sets 0 took advantage of the Italian’s retirement in the quarter-finals.
Novak Djokovic, 4th in the world, qualified for the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday thanks to the retirement of Lorenzo Musetti (5th) who led 6-4, 6-3. The Serbian suffered from blisters, lacked strength, sensations and solutions but suddenly it was the Italian’s physique which gave way.
Trailing 1-3, 15-40 in the 3rd set, Lorenzo Musetti removed his blindfold and ended the game. Stopped by violent pain in the right adductor.
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“I don’t know what to say… I’m really disappointed for him because he was better than me today and I was on the way home”commented the 38-year-old Serbian. “He should have won without a doubt. I’m very lucky to have passed today.”added Djokovic, who himself was suffering from a huge blister under his right foot.
The Serbian had already benefited from Jakub Mensik’s package before their round of 16.
“I’m going to say twice as many prayers tonight”he commented, smiling but without wanting to show too much joy.
“I’m not happy with the way I played today and I hope to be at my best in two days (for the semi-final) because I will need it”he concluded.
In search of a 25th Grand Slam title, his 11th in Melbourne, he will face on Friday for a place in the final the world No.1 and double title holder Jannik Sinner or the American Ben Shelton (7th).
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On Wednesday, he quickly got nervous and let the referee know after a few games that he didn’t like the way the referee gave him a warning for running out of time before serving.
“You could have warned me, as a gentleman to someone who has been in this sport for decades. I’m not saying it’s against the rule because I actually went over the time, but we’re in the middle of the first set and, before giving me a warning, you could have said to me: ”Come on Novak, hurry up””he told him at the next change of ends.
After achieving the entry break to lead 2-0, he lost the next four games and saw the first set slip through his fingers.
Chaining together winning shots, Musetti immediately took his opponent’s serve in the second set. The Serb certainly recovered immediately, but a few minutes later, it was by taking advantage of several unforced errors from Djokovic that Musetti once again took his opponent’s service, and this time, he confirmed and pocketed the second set.
Before the start of the third set, Djokovic was treated on court for a huge blister under his right foot.
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A few points later, Musetti appeared to suffer from pain in his right thigh, took a long massage at the change of ends at 2-1 and retired after losing the next game.
In the semi-finals, Novak Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner (seeded no. 2) and double defending champion or the American Ben Shelton (seeded no. 8).
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