Djokovic sorry for almost hitting ball girl in ‘heat of the moment’ act

Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after his opponent Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured while two sets up.

The Italian fifth seed, 23, raced into a 6-4 6-3 lead, playing brilliant tennis, before he tweaked his groin in his opening service game of the third. After going 3-1 down, Musetti, who was unable to run because of the injury, retired and shook hands with Djokovic at the net.

“I don’t know what to say except I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player,” Djokovic said. “I was on my way home tonight. Being in quarters of a grand slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, so unfortunate. He should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”

Djokovic’s latest pursuit of a 25th grand slam title was also aided by a walkover in the fourth round, as Jakub Mensik pulled out of the tournament due to injury, and the 38-year-old will now play either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semi-finals. “I’m just extremely lucky,” Djokovic said. “I’m going to do my best to use it.”

Earlier, Elena Rybakina ended Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam attempt with a 7-5 6-1 victory in the women’s quarter-finals. Rybakina, the 2023 runner-up, will play sixth seed Jessica Pegula , who reached her first Australian Open semi-final with a 6-2 7-6 win over Amanda Anisimova.

Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, below

Australian Open latest scores and updates Djokovic remains tied with Federer on 102 Australian Open wins

A 13th Australian Open semi-final for Novak Djokovic. Until two years ago, he had never lost one.

Also, after a walkover and a withdrawal, Djokovic remains tied with Roger Federer on 102 wins at the Australian Open, despite advancing to the final four.

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 07:27

Novak Djokovic not happy with performance after reaching semi-finals

Novak Djokovic will play either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semi-finals. He has made it very clear that he will need to improve on Friday. Sounds like Djokovic lost some rhythm after his walkover against Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.

“I’ll watch that match with my team and try to get some insights of of both of these guys’ game. Nevertheless, my main priority remains my game. I played really well until today, throughout the whole tournament.

”Today, I’m definitely not happy with my performance, but it’s another day in the office and hopefully in the in the in a couple of days’ time I can come out and being at my best because that’s what’s going to be needed.”

(Getty Images)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 07:13

Djokovic: ‘I got extremely lucky – I’m gonna do my best to use it’

”I just wasn’t feeling the ball today, the first couple of sets. But that’s also due to his quality and his variety in the game.

“I’m just extremely lucky to get to get through this one today.

“I had a walkover in the fourth round and today should have been beaten, and then two sets down and I get the win, so I mean.

“I’m gonna double my prayers tonight for sure, and gratitude to God for really giving me this opportunity once again.

“I’m gonna do my best in a couple of days to use it.”

(REUTERS)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 07:05

A devastating retirement for Lorenzo Musetti

So gutting for Lorenzo Musetti. Two sets up, playing brilliant tennis, closing in on a win against Novak Djokovic, the Italian is struck down by a groin injury.

It was so severe that Musetti couldn’t run, and he lasted just a couple more games. It’s devastating for the Italian, who also retired from his French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz last season.

He is denied what would have been the best win of his career.

(REUTERS)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 07:01

Novak Djokovic: ‘I was on my way home tonight’

“I don’t know what to say except that you know, I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player.

”I was on my way home tonight. Don’t know what to say.

“I mean, this, this kind of thing is happening in sport and it happened to me a few times.

“Being in quarters of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, I mean, so unfortunate.

“I don’t know what else I can say. I really wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”

(AFP via Getty Images)(REUTERS)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:53

Djokovic through to semi-finals

Novak Djokovic looks stunned. What an extremely fortunate break. Such a shame for Musetti, who was looking so good in taking a two-set lead.

Djokovic is now speaking on court. He is through to the semi-finals, but cannot celebrate this.

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:48

RETIREMENT! Musetti shakes hands!

He shakes hands with Djokovic and this match is over.

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:45

Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-6 3-1 Lorenzo Musetti*

Musetti is going for broke on his forehand, lashing the ball at Djokovic when it’s in reach. But I don’t think he can run.

Djokovic holds with a smash, Musetti was resigned that he was not getting there.

(Getty Images)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:43

Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-6 2-1 Lorenzo Musetti

Musetti, who has a horrible record with injuries and retired from his French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz last season, has received significant treatment on his right leg.

Djokovic, between sets, received treatment on his blisters. But Musetti is back on court and we are about to get underway. Djokovic is up by a break in this set.

We’ve just passed the two-hour mark.

(REUTERS)(AFP via Getty Images)

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:40

BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-6 2-1 Lorenzo Musetti

Now Musetti has called the trainer! It looks like he tweaked something in that double fault. What awful timing.

Jamie Braidwood28 January 2026 06:36