Australian Open: Novak Djokovic through to semi-finals after Lorenzo Musetti retires injured

Novak Djokovic advanced to a 13th Australian Open semi-final after Lorenzo Musetti retired in the third set injured after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park.

Musetti's retirement ⁠when leading 6-4 6-3 1-3 meant Djokovic pulled off a great escape at his most successful hunting ground, with ​the 10-time champion's bid for a standalone 25th ​major to break the tie with Margaret Court still alive.

The 38-year-old Serb returned to ‍action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik's walkover on Sunday, and his freshness showed during a sharp start where he ‌brought plenty of variety and grabbed an early break.

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But some loose points allowed ‌Musetti to level at 2-2 and the Italian then surged past Djokovic for the first time in ​the contest with an overhead shot before comfortably wrapping up the opening set on serve.

Some fiery winners from both flanks helped Musetti break ‍in the opening game of the second set, and though the 23-year-old let the advantage slip immediately, he edged in front again and soon doubled his lead in the match to leave Djokovic on the ropes.

Djokovic ‌soldiered on following treatment for a foot blister ⁠and went 2-1 up with a break in the ‌third, when it was Musetti's turn to call the trainer ‍to the court for what appeared like a right thigh issue.

Musetti looked to manage the problem and play on but he was far from 100 per cent and threw in the towel to gasps from the crowd on Rod Laver Arena, handing Djokovic ​his 103rd match win at the tournament to eclipse Roger Federer.

Djokovic: Musetti 'the far better player'

Djokovic, who was forced out of last year's semi-final here through injury, admitted he was extremely fortunate, saying: "I don't know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him.

"He was the far better player, I was on my way home. It happened to me a few times but being in the quarters of a Slam, two sets to love up, in full control, so unfortunate. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today no doubt.

"I'm going to double my prayers tonight of gratitude to God for really giving me the opportunity. I'm going to do my best in a couple of days to use it."

Djokovic's quest for a record Grand Slam title continues against the winner of the quarter-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.

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