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Novak Djokovic's Admirable Honesty Cost Him During Match vs. Lorenzo Musetti

Djokovic demonstrated great sportsmanship at the Australian Open.
Tim Capurso|
Djokovic advanced to the semifinal of the Australian Open after Musetti was forced to retire due to injury.
Djokovic advanced to the semifinal of the Australian Open after Musetti was forced to retire due to injury. | Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Trailing 4-6, 3-5 in his Australian Open quarterfinal match against Lorenzo Musetti, Novak Djokovic needed a ball to bounce his way to get back into the match. That’s exactly what seemed to happen to Djokovic, on serve and up 30-15. The 24-time major winner landed an approach shot that forced Musetti to head towards the net. The Italian flicked a passing shot that a lunging Djokovic appeared to miss—and it was fortunate that he had, for the shot landed out.

But Djokovic admitted that the ball had grazed his racket, meaning he had actually lost the point.

Sure enough, instant replays showed the ball making contact with the frame of Djokovic’s racket.

“Mr. Djokovic has told us he touched the ball, conceding the point,” said chair umpire James Keatvahong.

The honesty ultimately cost Djokovic the game and the set, for Musetti went on to break the Serbian’s serve to win the second set.

But Djokovic triumphed in the most unfortunate of circumstances, when Musetti was forced to retire due to injury with the Serbian up 3-1 in the third set.

Djokovic all class after Musetti retires due to injury


Djokovic, well aware of the direction the match was potentially headed before Musetti’s untimely injury, wished the Italian the best in his on-court interview after the match.

“I don't know what to say except for I feel sorry for him,” Djokovic said. “He was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight. Don't know what to say, these kind of things happen in sport. It happened to me a few times.

“You know, being in quarters of a grand slam two sets to love up, and being in full control. I mean, so unfortunate. I don't know what else I can say. I wish him a speedy recovery and he should've been the winner today, no doubt.”

Djokovic also took to social media to post a kind sentiment to Musetti.

Djokovic will take on back-to-back Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinal on Friday.

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated, primarily covering MLB, college football and college basketball. Before joining SI in November 2023, Capurso worked at RotoBaller and ClutchPoints and is a graduate of Assumption University. When he's not working, he can be found at the gym, reading a book or enjoying a good hike. A resident of New York, Capurso openly wonders if the Giants will ever be a winning football team again.

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