Novak Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals, where defending champion Jannik Sinner could be waiting.
NOVAK Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday for a place in his 13th Australian Open semi-final. A potential clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner awaits the winner.
The 24-time major winner has been scheduled for an afternoon session on Rod Laver Arena. The prime evening slot has been allocated to second seed Sinner, who meets American Ben Shelton.
Sinner is bidding to win the Melbourne title for a third consecutive year. Only Djokovic has achieved this feat in the Open era.
Djokovic enters the match well-rested after his scheduled opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew injured. “Pretty sure he won’t be tired,” said fifth seed Musetti.
Musetti has beaten Djokovic only once in their 10 previous meetings. The Italian is in his first Melbourne quarter-final, with clay and grass being his preferred surfaces.
Sinner faces a tough test against eighth seed Shelton, a semi-finalist last year. The American is a fan favourite known for his energetic style.
“I’m definitely a competitor, I’m rowdy on court, I look forward to rowdy crowds,” Shelton said. Sinner holds an 8-1 head-to-head record against him.
In women’s quarter-final action, Iga Swiatek takes on Elena Rybakina. Jessica Pegula tackles Amanda Anisimova in the other match.
Swiatek, chasing her first Australian Open title, leads Rybakina 6-5 in their previous encounters. “I need to be 100 percent ready,” said the Polish world number two.
The winners of those matches will meet for a place in the women’s final.
