Fans React as ‘Lucky’ Novak Djokovic Survives Scare Against Injured Lorenzo Musetti to Reach Australian Open Semifinals: “Grandpa is Saved Again”

Novak Djokovic, for sure, was lucky. He reached the semifinals of the ongoing Australian Open without winning a set since his straight-set victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round.

Djokovic’s fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, who denied him the 2025 Miami Open, withdrew from the match due to an injury. Then, in the quarterfinals, Djokovic locked horns with Lorenzo Musetti for the 11th time in his career on Wednesday (January 28th).

The Italian ace, who before this match trailed 1-9 in the head-to-head matchups with Djokovic, was successful in taking the first two sets off the 10-time Australian Open champion. Djokovic then took a medical timeout for a blister on his right foot.

In the third set, after being broken in the third game, Musetti then took a medical timeout and received treatment on his upper right leg. Although he returned to play, he couldn’t continue and was forced to throw in the white towel as the match ended after two hours and eight minutes.

I don’t know what to say except for I feel sorry for him. He was the far better player. I was on my way home tonight. Don’t know what to say, these kind of things happen in the sport. It happened to me a few times. You know, being in the quarters of a Grand Slam, up two sets to love, up and being in full control. I mean, so unfortunate. I don’t know what else to say. I wish him a speedy recovery, and he should’ve been the winner today, no doubt.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Djokovic scripted history when he walked onto the Rod Laver Arena for the match, becoming only the third man after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer to play in 1,400 singles matches. The 38-year-old will be playing in his career’s 13th overall and fourth consecutive semifinal at Melbourne Park.

He makes you play. When you think the point is finished, it’s not. Obviously, a bit more windy today, swirly conditions, and when you attack him, you don’t know what to expect… What can I say? I tried my best. Yes, I have a blister here and there, but nothing really majorly bothered me.

Novak Djokovic added

Before arriving in Melbourne, Musetti suffered defeat at the hands of Alexander Bublik in the Hong Kong Open final. He has yet to win a title since the 2022 Tennis Napoli Cup.

Fans call Novak Djokovic lucky after Lorenzo Musetti’s unfortunate injury

The tennis world was either expecting a huge upset or Novak Djokovic overcome the two-set deficit to pull off a thrilling five-set win. But as none of these happened due to Lorenzo Musetti’s unfortunate injury, fans think luck has saved the former World No.1 from the brink of a possible defeat.

Check out how the fans reacted to Djokovic’s unexpected win:

You're so lucky Novak. I feel really sad for Musetti, he was giving it his all.

— Nkwocha (@Iykconic) January 28, 2026