Despite not winning a set since the third round, Novak Djokovic will play in the Australian Open semifinals.
After his triumph in round three over Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic’s fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew from the tournament, citing an abdominal injury.
Then, in the quarterfinals, the Serb was two sets down against Lorenzo Musetti, but the Italian, battling pain in his leg, was forced to retire from the contest.
Now, Djokovic will face defending champion Jannik Sinner, with the world number two in pursuit of a three-peat at Melbourne Park.
The 24-time major winner has not beaten Sinner since 2023, but former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski refuses to count him out.
Greg Rusedski discusses Novak Djokovic’s chances in Melbourne
Speaking on ‘Off Court with Greg‘, Rusedski said: “Everybody is talking on social media, and they’re discussing saying, well, if you look at the form of Djokovic and Sinner, Sinner is going to be very comfortable against Novak.
“Novak is maybe not playing the level he needs to, but never ever discount a great champion. I will say he has still got a shot. He’s won 24 majors.
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“He was a little bit spiky in the conference when they said: ‘Are you chasing Sinner and Alcaraz and talk to us about the Federer generation’.
“No, no, no. I’m the guy with 24 Slams. Let’s not forget that. I was on top for 15 years in this sport, so you know, discount Djokovic at your peril.
“The other thing is it’s gonna be most likely in cooler conditions as well with the roof shut, and Djokovic is one of the best indoor players on the planet.
“Can’t wait to see what happens here in that semifinal coming up.”
Jannik Sinner’s five-match winning streak against Novak Djokovic
After losing to him at the 2023 ATP Finals, Sinner earned his second career win over Djokovic at the Davis Cup later that season.
He made it two in a row against Djokovic by beating him in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, winning in four sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.
Has anyone in tennis history ever hit the ball as hard as Jannik Sinner does?
Sinner picked up a straight-sets triumph in his Shanghai Masters final meeting with Djokovic in 2024.
In 2025, he faced Djokovic two times, with the duo of clashes coming in Grand Slam semifinals.
Sinner emerged victorious on both occasions, coming out on top in straight sets against Djokovic at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
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