Melbourne, Jan. 28 -- Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open for a record 13th time after Italy's Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured during their quarter-final clash at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.
Musetti, the fifth seed, was firmly in control of the match before the unfortunate turn of events, leading the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 6-3 when play was halted early in the third set.
The Italian recovered from an early break in the opening set to dominate proceedings, capitalising on Djokovic's errors to take the first set. He maintained the pressure in the second set, breaking serve at crucial moments to double his advantage and move within a set of his maiden Australian Open semi-final.
However...