<\/p>\n
For Djokovic to move ahead of Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles, he will need to limit his time on court, keep the points short and hope some good fortune goes his way.<\/p>\n
He has managed those so far – but he would not have anticipated reaching the semi-finals with such a heavy reliance on fortuity.<\/p>\n
Djokovic started sharply against Musetti, going an immediate break up, but then spectacularly lost his way.<\/p>\n
A dreadful miss on an overhead handed the break back to Musetti and Djokovic never recovered, sending down just one ace and committing 18 unforced errors to nine winners on his way to losing the first set.<\/p>\n
Djokovic frequently turned to his box in disbelief and annoyance – but he only had himself to blame at the start of the second set. <\/p>\n
After breaking Musetti and getting out to a 30-0 lead on serve, Djokovic hit five unforced errors in six points to hand the initiative back.<\/p>\n
Anchored by a one-handed backhand that kept Djokovic guessing and an improved serve, Musetti held off his opponent to move within touching distance of a first Australian Open semi-final.<\/p>\n
Musetti’s level just made the injury all the more surprising. After being broken in the third set, he immediately called for the trainer and, after a valiant attempt at his next service game, called it quits.<\/p>\n
“I honestly have no words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Musetti said.<\/p>\n
“I felt it at the beginning of the second set. I was feeling that the pain was increasing, and the problem was not getting away.”<\/p>\n
Djokovic had warm words for his opponent at the net and afterwards – and, having struggled with physical issues early in his career, would know how devastated the 23-year-old was.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovic #scrapes #semifinals #Lorenzo #Musetti #retires #injured #sets<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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