Novak Djokovic is (almost) never out of a match. He’s come back from down two sets eight times in his Grand Slam career. Even when Djokovic trails or is injured, he is always a threat to find a way back into the match.
Wednesday night in Melbourne was different. After advancing to the Australian Open Semifinal, Djokovic made a stunning statement about his opponent, World No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti.
“He’s the winner tonight, I was on my way home. I feel for Lorenzo, hopefully he’ll be back.”
It’s rare for Novak Djokovic to ever admit defeat until the match is completely over, much less after advancing in a Grand Slam tournament.
He trailed 4-6, 3-6 to the Italian. But in the third set Musetti suffered a groin injury and had no more mobility. He received medical treatment but it had no effect and forced the end of the match.
This came after Djokovic himself had called in the medical staff for a blister on his foot. All looked to be lost for the Serbian in his quest for the elusive 25th Grand Slam.
But the energy shifted as soon as Musetti showed weakness. Djokovic began showing strength, staying loose on the bench while his opponent was being treated. It’s that blood-in-the-water mentality that has given Novak an edge throughout his career.
Still, Djokovic was stunned after the match. He was asked immediately about Musetti’s exit and was speechless for a moment before addressing the crowd.
“I don’t know what to say except for I feel sorry for him. He was the far better player,” Djokovic said.
Lorenzo 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 28, 2026
This comes after Djokovic’s previous opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew from the previous round due to injury.
It’s been a string of good luck for the Serbian, as unfortunate as its been for his opponents.
Can the 37-year-old take advantage of a couple free wins and claim that next Grand Slam he so desperately craves?
Djokovic knows this pattern won’t continue and that means he needs to up his game if he wants his 11th Australian Open title.
