Novak Djokovic has admitted he was effectively heading out of the Australian Open before an unexpected and unfortunate injury brought his match to an early end.
The Serbian was visibly uncomfortable accepting the outcome of his quarter-final matchup against Lorenzo Musetti.
After all, the match swung in circumstances that Djokovic himself described as deeply unfair.
Novak Djokovic admits he was heading for defeat
Speaking afterwards, Djokovic made it clear he did not feel like the deserving winner.
“First of all, I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him. He was the better player today. I was basically on my way home tonight,” he stated.
Djokovic advanced only because Musetti was forced to retire due to injury while firmly in control of the match. The Serbian was struggling to find answers before the sudden stoppage changed the outcome.
Novak Djokovic reacts to Musetti’s cruel injury
Djokovic expanded on how difficult it was to process the situation, particularly given how the match had unfolded.
“This kind of thing has happened to me a few times, but to be in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and in full control, it’s just so unfortunate. I really wish him a speedy recovery.
“He should have been the winner today, no doubt,” Djokovic admitted.
The Australian Open crowd responded sympathetically, aware that the result came through misfortune rather than momentum. Djokovic’s comments reflected that reality, acknowledging that the contest had been taken out of both players’ hands.
While Djokovic moves on in the draw, the moment served as a reminder of how brutally fragile tennis can be at the highest level.
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