Djokovic fortunate to make Australian Open semi-finals after Musetti retires

The match took a dramatic turn after Musetti, the fifth seed from Italy, was forced to withdraw while leading 6-4, 6-3, 3-1. In doing so, Musetti became the first player in the Open Era to retire in a Grand Slam quarter-final or later after winning the opening two sets.

Djokovic began the contest strongly, winning the first two games, but momentum quickly swung. Musetti broke Djokovic's serve twice in the opening set and went on to claim it 6-4, before backing it up with another assured display to take the second.

The Italian was chasing a major upset that would have ended Djokovic's hopes of a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Both players required medical attention. Djokovic took a medical timeout at the end of the second set to receive treatment on his foot but was able to continue.

Musetti, however, took a medical timeout at the start of the third set and again later after being broken to love early, leaving him trailing 2-1.

After consultations with his team, Musetti withdrew during the third set, bringing a premature end to the contest.

"I don't know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him," said Djokovic.

"He was by far the better player, I was on my way home.

"These kind of things happen in this sport and it happened to me a few times but being in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control. So unfortunate.

"I don't know what else I can say. I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there's no doubt." 

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