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Musetti Retires Up Two Sets Against Djokovic at Australian Open, Triggering Injury Debate

Musetti cited escalating right‑leg pain after a medical timeout, prompting a divide over playing through injury.

Overview

  • Musetti said worsening pain in his right leg after a medical timeout led him to stop early in the third set despite leading by two sets.
  • The retirement sent Novak Djokovic into the semi-finals, with former coach Boris Becker saying the Serb would feel embarrassed to advance that way.
  • Coach Brad Gilbert criticized the decision, arguing Musetti should have waited for painkillers to work and saying he "better be out 6–8 weeks."
  • Holger Rune defended Musetti’s call to protect his health, pointing to his own 2025 Achilles tear after playing through a lesser injury.
  • This marks Musetti’s fourth mid‑match withdrawal at a Grand Slam, and there is no confirmed medical prognosis or recovery timeline.