Boris Becker makes 'embarrassing' Novak Djokovic remark ahead of Jannik Sinner Australian Open clash

Djokovic himself conceded that Musetti had been "the far better player" and acknowledged he would likely have suffered defeat had his opponent's body not given way.

"I know him quite well, it's embarrassing for him because that's not how he wants to win," Becker told Eurosport.

The 38-year-old Serb will now meet defending champion Jannik Sinner in the last four as he pursues an 11th Melbourne title.

Becker offered his assessment of why Musetti had dominated proceedings before his untimely exit.

"That's disappointing for Musetti, he played such a great tournament, he was clearly the better player," the six-time Grand Slam winner said.

The German explained that Musetti's playing style demands significant physical exertion, with fewer easy points on serve and numerous extended rallies taking their toll.

He noted that Carlos Alcaraz had encountered similar difficulties earlier in the tournament, suggesting Musetti requires further physical development.

Becker also pointed to Djokovic's four-day gap between matches as potentially excessive mid-tournament, combined with minimal competitive action since last year and no events this season.

Musetti, by contrast, had arrived in Melbourne fresh from competing in Hong Kong and performing at peak level.

Becker praised Djokovic for his honest admission that fortune had favoured him against the Italian.

"It's a fair gesture for him (Djokovic) to say that [Musetti was the better player]. He's always perceived as being dogged. But Novak is a true sportsman and saw that he was lucky and he made that very clear," the former world No 1 said.

The German highlighted that Djokovic's progression to another semi-final demonstrates his remarkable staying power at the highest level.

"Novak still has consistency. The fact that he's back in the semi-finals speaks for itself. He's a sportsman, he doesn't want to reach the semi-finals by [his opponent] retiring and he didn't have to play in the previous round either," Becker added.

Becker worked alongside Djokovic from late 2013 through to the conclusion of 2016, a period during which the pair secured six major championships and 14 Masters 1000 trophies together.

Their successful partnership gives the German unique insight into the Serbian's competitive mentality and approach to victory.

Djokovic, now 38, continues his pursuit of history at Melbourne Park, where he has already lifted the trophy on ten occasions.

A triumph this fortnight would deliver his 25th Grand Slam title overall, further extending his record haul in men's tennis.

Standing between him and another final appearance is Sinner, the two-time reigning Australian Open champion who has established himself as the dominant force in Melbourne.