Novak Djokovic’s bid to make more tennis history is still alive as he scraped into the Australian Open semi-finals after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured when leading by two sets.
Djokovic, aiming for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, was wayward, error-strewn and irritable against the inspired Italian in front of a stunned crowd.
Musetti was 6-4 6-3 up and looked set for the semi-finals when he pulled up early in the third set.
The fifth seed took a medical timeout for treatment on his thigh but, unable to serve or move properly, he walked to the net and shook hands at 3-1 down in the third.
A heartbroken Musetti had to be helped down the corridor by a member of his team as he left the court.
“He was a far better player – I was on my way home tonight,” the 38-year-old Serb great said.
“I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him.
“I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”