Australian Open 2026: Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream Details
Novak Djokovic holds an overwhelming 9-1 lead in his head-to-head record against Lorenzo Musetti.
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Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)
Lorenzo Musetti has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. The Italian star has often found Melbourne Park a hard nut to crack in recent years, but has finally had his breakthrough. However, for him to reach the last four of the tournament, he will face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic is seeking his 25th Grand Slam at the Australian Open, a milestone in his career that will make him the greatest player in the history of the sport. He’s yet to drop a set in Melbourne and has been playing great tennis, except for his third-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp, when he almost hit a ball kid with his forehand shot.
Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic: Match Details
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Round: Quarter-finals
- Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
- Date: January 28, 2026
- Tournament: Australian Open 2026
- Match: Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic
Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic: Match Preview
Musetti has undoubtedly improved his game since the start of last season. The Italian star has broken into the ATP Top 10 and last year featured in his first-ever season-ending tournament in November. He continued with his great form at the Australian Open, beating Raphael Collignon in the first round. Musetti came from a set down to lead in the fourth set before the Belgian retired.
In the second round, the 2025 Italian athlete of the year defeated his fellow compatriot Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 before winning a marathon five-set contest versus Tomas Machac 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in the third round. He faced Taylor Fritz in the fourth round and produced an excellent performance to beat the American star 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
On the other hand, Djokovic was consistent in his performance last season. He reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year and won two ATP 250 titles before deciding not to play at the ATP Finals. There were doubts that he might not be at his best in Melbourne after withdrawing from the Adelaide International.
But the 38-year-old put those doubts to bed at the Australian Open, beating Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round. He then went on to defeat Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2 6-2 and Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). Jakub Mensik then withdrew from their fourth-round clash due to an abdominal injury, giving Djokovic a walkover to the quarter-finals.
Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic: Match Prediction
Musetti’s best Grand Slam run came in June last year when he reached the semi-finals of the French Open before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. The Italian star will be looking forward to achieving another great Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, but Novak Djokovic will be a difficult opponent for him.
Djokovic holds an overwhelming 9-1 lead in his head-to-head record against Musetti. They last met at the Hellenic Championship in November, a match Musetti had to win to earn his place in the ATP Finals, yet Djokovic defeated him in three sets. The only time Musetti managed to beat Djokovic was at the Monte Carlo Masters nearly three years ago.
Djokovic is aiming to make history Down Under and understands that a win against Musetti gets him closer to achieving the goal. Following the withdrawal of Jakub Mensik due to abdominal injury, Djokovic has now gotten enough rest and will be at his best when he faces the fifth seed on Wednesday (January 28).
Match Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.
Lorenzo Musetti vs. Novak Djokovic: Live Stream Details
- India – SONY
- USA – ESPN, Tennis Channel
- UK – TNT Sports
- Canada – TSN, RDS
- Australia – Nine, Stan. Sports
- New Zealand– SKY
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