Novak Djokovic’s quest to make more tennis history remains on track after he reached the Australian Open semi-finals when Lorenzo Musetti retired injured despite leading by two sets.
Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, struggled badly and made many errors against the Italian in front of a shocked crowd.
Musetti was leading 6-4, 6-3 and looked certain to reach the semi-finals before suffering a thigh injury early in the third set.
The fifth seed took a medical timeout but could not move or serve properly and retired at 3-1 in the third set.
A devastated Musetti needed help leaving the court.
Djokovic admitted Musetti was the better player and said he felt sorry for him, wishing him a quick recovery and saying he deserved to win.
Djokovic also received treatment for blisters on his feet late in the second set and could have faced more physical problems if the match had continued.
It was another lucky break for Djokovic after fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew injured before their match.
However, Djokovic knows he must improve to win an 11th Australian Open title, with two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner possibly waiting in the semi-finals.
World number two Sinner, who beat Djokovic in the semi-finals two years ago, plays Ben Shelton later on Wednesday.
