Lorenzo Musetti’s performance against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open marked the biggest ‘what if’ of the 2026 tennis season so far.
In the quarterfinals of the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park, the Italian found himself two sets up against the eventual runner-up, and looked to be closing in on the win.
After going 3-1 down in the third set, however, Musetti was forced to retire due to a psoas muscle injury, with Djokovic advancing via walkover.
Who will retire with more Grand Slam titles – Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic?
Let us know why in the comments!
He has since withdrawn from multiple tournaments, but is now ready to return for the first ATP Masters 1000 event of 2026 in Indian Wells.
Ahead of his campaign in ‘Tennis Paradise’, Musetti reflected on the heartbreaking end to his run at the Australian Open.
Lorenzo Musetti discusses his Australian Open exit
In an interview with Tennis TV, Musetti said: “After what happened in Australia, I was a little bit upset with my status.
“Of course it was not easy to pull out from a tournament that was really important for me and of course for the way I was playing and for the situation that the match against Nole that I created, that was not easy to deal with.
“But I’m really happy to be back here with a lot of motivation, new motivation, and really looking forward to starting here in Tennis Paradise.
Who do you think will win Indian Wells this year?
Vote now!
“I felt that I was playing probably my best tennis but in the meaning of knowing what I was doing really well and I was sticking to the plan that we started before the match and I think my tennis was adapting really well with the conditions in Australia.
“There was some unlucky situation also, of course, so hopefully we will turn around also this kind of situation, and I think this type of injuries, this type of problem you can only solve with a great mentality, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Lorenzo Musetti’s results at the Indian Wells Open over the years
Musetti is entering the Indian Wells Open for the sixth time in his career this month, but he hasn’t had the best results at the tournament over the years.
Since making his debut in 2021, Musetti has only gone as far as the third round in California, a feat he has managed twice.
He was knocked out in the third round last year by Arthur Fils, with the Frenchman beating him in three sets.
Musetti’s first-round opponent this year comes in the form of Marton Fucsovics, whom he has never faced at a tour-level event before.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
