Musetti recalls his injury against Djokovic in Australia: "It was hard to accept"
The Italian tennis player recalled his injury in the adductor when he was leading two sets to none against Novak in the quarterfinals, and everything he suffered afterwards.
Lorenzo Musetti is gradually recovering his best form, and the result is the round of 16 he reached at the ATP Cincinnati 2026. However, he is far from being the player who was ranked number 5 in the world a few months ago, who was visited by injuries at the least opportune moment that took him out of the top 10. In fact, 'Lolo' has recalled that fateful moment against Novak Djokovic at the 2026 Australian Open, where he tore his abductor and began a torment of physical problems.
On January 28, Musetti was leading Djokovic 2 sets to 0 in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, but at the start of the third set, he had to retire due to a severe injury to his abductor. "That victory would have placed me as the 3rd in the world. It was very painful for me. It was very hard to accept that when at my peak I was leading Djokovic 2 sets to 0," the Italian tennis player revealed to 'Tennis Channel', who saw Novak win in the next round against Jannik Sinner and reach the final, where he ultimately lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Even Djokovic himself visibly expressed his sympathy at the time and lamented what had happened to Lorenzo. "That's how sport is. These things happen, but it’s very unfortunate. He deserved to win, he was better than me, and I just hope he recovers as soon as possible," he acknowledged. However, that was just the beginning of a series of misfortunes for the Italian over the past few months.
2026, a cursed year for Musetti
Musetti attempted to return a month and a half later in Indian Wells but lost in his debut against Fucsovics, showing that his body was still not ready. Lorenzo waited for the clay court season, but the results did not come, and his body said enough, preventing him from competing at Roland Garros and dropping out of the top 10. Once again, two and a half more months out of the circuit where he also missed the grass court season, confirming how tough 2026 has been for him.
So far, in the North American tour, Musetti seems to be fully recovered, and little by little he is regaining his rhythm and confidence to become that player who amazed the world and was just a step away from being number 3 in the rankings. The Italian player is one of those special tennis players, touched by a magic wand, so the circuit would benefit from his return to top form as soon as possible now that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the ones suffering from injuries and physical problems.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Musetti recuerda su lesión ante Djokovic en Australia: "Fue duro de aceptar"