For years, Novak Djokovic playing in the semi-finals of the Australian Open was a foregone conclusion. With 24 Grand Slam titles, and 10 of those coming in Melbourne, fans have grown accustomed to seeing the Serb swashbukle his way to the biggest titles. He is the best player in the sport's history, a man with more records than he can even count.
But Djokovic, in 2026, is starting to look a faded force. And with the former world No 1 due to face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Friday, many fans and pundits will undoubtedly be fearing the worst.
This year's tournament Down Under has been a curious one for Djokovic. In the early stages of the competition he was irresistable, dispatching his rivals with the ease of old. With the 38-year-old looking fully fit and firing, there was even optimism that he'd be able to add another title to his remarkable collection.
But optimism has now given way to pessimism. Had it not been for a cruel twist of fate, Djokovic would already be in the air on his way home, left to rue another prodigy toppling him from his throne.
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On Wednesday, the tennis star was a shadow of his usual self. Lorenzo Musetti was superior in every department, racing into a two-set lead playing some sumptious stuff. Djokovic, simply put, couldn't keep up.
Yet with Musetti suffering with a groin problem, the Italian was forced to retire from the match. It was heartbreaking for the 23-year-old who, based on his exploits this winter, can certainly win a major in the future.
For Djokovic, it marked a huge reprieve. He was completely outgunned, outmaneouvered and outclassed. Speaking on court afterwards, he admitted: "He was the far better player, I was on my way home.
Novak Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to withdraw
|GETTY
"He should have been the winner today, no doubt."
There are times when, as mentioned above, Djokovic remains capable of the sublime. There is a sense, however, that his powers are starting to wane. We are now witnessing a player in the twilight years of his career, rather than the prime. The sun is, unfortunately, already setting.
There is a regression taking place right in front of our eyes. He was reaching finals of Grand Slams in 2024 but won none. He reached the semi-finals of all four majors last year, though couldn't take the extra step.
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Novak Djokovic was outplayed by Lorenzo Musetti in their match at the Australian Open
|GETTY
Had Musetti not been forced to retire due to injury, it would have been a quarter-final exit. For a player who has won it all, and scaled the highest of heights, even he must sense there's something happening now that is simply beyond his control.
Next up for Djokovic is Sinner. That alone should strike fear into him.
The Italian is a divisive figure, perhaps less popular than Carlos Alcaraz. But when it comes to quality, especially in Melbourne, he's unmatched.
Sinner went into his clash against Ben Shelton with the big-serving American enjoying one of his best majors to date.
The way he powered his way to victory was remarkable, however, with the world No 2 dropping just 11 games as he won 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Sinner is yet to drop a set this tournament. He is playing with unnerving consistency, further consolidating his credentials as the favourite to go all the way.
Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open on Friday
|REUTERS
Therefore, Friday's contest could unfortunately prove to be the end of Djokovic.
He wouldn't quit right away, of course. The Serb has spoken repeatedly of his desire to keep going, to keep chasing a 25th Grand Slam title that would move him ahead of Margaret Court in the history books.
But an emphatic defeat would, symbolically, mark the conclusion of his competitive career. Nobody would ever give him a chance of glory again.
It would be wrong to write off Djokovic entirely. Year after year he has proven he's capable of doing things no other man can do. Yet if he's battered, and left bruised, hopes of him winning another major will be more remote than ever before.