Novak Djokovic's 10-word message speaks volumes after Lorenzo Musetti retirement at Australian Open

However, the fifth seed was then forced to withdraw from the match in unfortunate circumstances after suffering what appeared to be a groin injury.

It means he has been deprived of the chance to compete in the semi-finals, with Djokovic now just two matches away from claiming an 11th Australian Open crown and 25th Grand Slam title overall.

The Serb knows he's fortunate to still be in the tournament, however. Writing on social media following his victory, the tennis legend also showed class by wishing his rival all the best for the future.

"I was on my way home. Heal well my friend," he said.

Tennis fans were quick to comment, with many hailing Djokovic for showing class and gratitude.

One user wrote: "Great to see the support and sportsmanship between top players. Heal well Lorenzo."

A second penned a message saying 'pure sportsmanship', with their post accompanied by three clapping emojis.

Another stated: "Classy post.."

And a fourth wished Musetti well by saying: "Man, that hug before the match said it all. Gutted for you Lo, you were playing lights out.

"Heal up quick brother, tennis needs that forehand back soon. Proud of how you fought. Catch you on the next one."

I was on my way home. Heal well my friend. ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/wUwBy8oH9X

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 28, 2026

In his post-match interview, Djokovic admitted that he thought he was destined to be sent home after being comprehensively outclassed by his opponent.

“I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him," the 38-year-old said.

“He was the far better player, I was on my way home. It happened to me a few times, but being in the quarters of a slam, two sets to love up, in full control, so unfortunate. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been the winner today, no doubt.

“I’m going to double my prayers tonight of gratitude to the God for really giving me the opportunity. I’m going to do my best in a couple of days to use it.”

Addressing his display, he added: "The strategy worked well for the first couple of games, but then it changed. Completely. I had four winners in the first two games and no unforced errors. Then the rest of the match I had another four winners and probably 40 errors.

"That's what Lorenzo does to you, he makes you play. When you think the point is finished, it's not. When you attack him, you don't know what to expect.

“Whether it's going to be a passing shot, cross-court, or short slice or full flat in the body, or just a looping ball to my weakest shot, which is overhead. I think we saw that again today. What can I say? I tried my best. I can't complain."

Musetti, meanwhile, confessed he was heartbroken after seeing his hopes of glory Down Under go up in smoke.

“I felt it at the beginning of the second set," the 23-year-old said when quizzed on his injury.

"I felt there was something strange in my right leg.

"You know, I continued to play, because I was playing really, really, really well, but I was feeling that the pain was increasing, and the problem was not getting away.

“At the end, when I took the medical time-out, to stay three minutes, I sat, and when I started to play again, I felt even more and was getting higher and higher the level of the pain.

"So not much to say about it.”