Novak Djokovic has not won a tennis set since Saturday.
However, he will face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Friday.
Djokovic, who suffered a fourth-round walkover from Jakub Mensik, advanced to his quarterfinal against Lorenzo Musetti when the Italian was forced to retire while leading from two sets to love. It was 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 in favor of Musetti when what appeared to be a groin injury brought the proceedings to an abrupt halt.
The nightcap didn’t last long, as Sinner eliminated Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
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“I don’t know what to say except that I feel sorry for him and he was the best player,” Djokovic said while speaking on the court. “I was on my way home tonight…. To be in a Grand Slam position, two sets to love, and in full control, it’s very unfortunate. I wish him a speedy recovery. He should have won today, without a doubt.”
“I never imagined the feeling of leading two sets to zero against Novak and playing like that,” Msetti said. “Being at the top of the game and being forced to retire is something I can’t imagine, it’s really painful.”
Both semi-finals are on Friday. Sinner vs. Djokovic will be followed by Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev.
