Novak Djokovic benefited from a significant bit of luck during his Australian Open quarter-final match against Lorenzo Musetti.
With Musetti retiring while two sets down, it meant the Serbian advanced without having to complete a single set in his last two matches.
Djokovic’s next challenge is Jannik Sinner, one of the toughest opponents on tour, in the semi-finals.
Despite his experience, Djokovic will go into the match as the underdog. Rick Macci has shared what he believes needs to happen for Djokovic to upset the world number two.
Rick Macci: Novak Djokovic needs Jannik Sinner to be less than 100% fit
Sinner has only dropped one set during the Australian Open, but earlier in the tournament, he showed some signs of discomfort in the Melbourne heat.
During his match with Eliot Spizzirri, Sinner looked in trouble before the roof was closed. The change helped him recover and take the win in four sets.
Macci believes Djokovic will need Sinner to be less than fully fit if he’s going to have a real chance.
“Does the Joker have a shot at Sinner? Yes for sure, but Jannik would have to cramp or not feel 100%.,” Rick Macci said on social media.
“At this stage of the game too much firepower and opening up the court like the Red Sea by the Italian Red Rocket flamethrower.”
Sinner has won five straight matches against Djokovic going back to 2023. The Serbian’s most recent win over Sinner came at the 2023 ATP Finals, where he went on to lift the title.
Jannik Sinner shares his thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s career resurgence
Sinner and Djokovic are set to meet for the 11th time at the Australian Open, with the Italian holding a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head.
The world number two spoke highly of Djokovic ahead of their semi-final meeting in Melbourne.
“These are moments you practice for. We are so lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age,” Sinner said after defeating Ben Shelton.
Djokovic took the first three matches between them from 2021 to 2023, but Sinner has since turned it around, joining a small group of players with a winning record against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
This will be their sixth Grand Slam meeting and their second clash at the Australian Open. Djokovic has come out on top twice before, both times at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023.
