Djokovic Defies Age, Advances to AO Semis at 38
Novak Djokovic has once again rewritten the record books at the Australian Open, advancing to his 13th semifinal at Melbourne Park at the age of 38. On Wednesday, the Serb faced a dramatic quarterfinal against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, a match that ended not with a finish line crossed, but with an unfortunate injury forcing Musetti to retire while holding a two-set lead.
The match started with Musetti, the fifth seed, in control. He took the first two sets 6-4, 6-3, showcasing a mix of deft shots, creative angles and relentless defense that kept Djokovic on the back foot. The 23-year-old Italian even had the crowd buzzing with moments of brilliance, including precise lobs and overhead winners. Yet, just as the momentum seemed unstoppable for Musetti, a sudden twist changed the course of Djokovic’s campaign.
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Musetti was visibly struggling with pain in his right leg, suspected to be an adductor or iliopsoas tear, an injury that had been troubling him since the second set. Despite pushing through the pain and even leading the match comfortably, the injury ultimately forced him to retire early in the third set with the score at 1-3. Djokovic, who had himself battled a blister on his foot during the match, acknowledged the irony and admitted the relief, calling Musetti the better player that day and wishing him a speedy recovery.
This victory is remarkable not just for the dramatic circumstances, but for what it represents in terms of Djokovic’s longevity. At 38, he extended his record to 54 Grand Slam semifinal appearances and became the second-oldest man in the Open Era to reach the AO semifinals, following Ken Rosewall. It’s also his 12th major semifinal since turning 35, underscoring a level of consistency and resilience rarely seen in professional tennis.
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face either second seed Jannik Sinner or eighth-seeded Ben Shelton in the semifinals. While he credits luck in advancing this far, Djokovic remains realistic about the challenge ahead, emphasizing that his body must hold up and that he will need to elevate his performance to compete for another Australian Open title.
The significance of this moment extends beyond records. Djokovic’s ability to remain competitive at an age when most players have retired or slowed down offers a striking example of endurance, discipline and adaptability in sports. For fans and players alike, it’s a reminder that experience and mental strength can sometimes tip the scales in high-stakes competition.
Stay with us as this historic tournament unfolds and follow every serve, volley and turning point as Djokovic pursues another milestone in his extraordinary career.
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