WATCH: Novak Djokovic shows incredible sportsmanship by conceding crucial point

Novak Djokovic's 2026 Australian Open battle with Lorenzo Musetti ended in an unfortunate way, but fans still witnessed a terrific moment of sportsmanship.

Musetti dominated the opening two sets on Rod Laver Arena, winning them 6-4, 6-3. At that stage, Djokovic making his earliest exit at the Australian Open since 2018 seemed inevitable because of the Italian's superiority.

Instead, Djokovic progressed to the semifinal when Musetti retired with an injury issue that began hurting in the second set and got worse while the Serbian took a medical timeout. He ended the match at 1-3 in the third set.

Djokovic seemed genuinely disappointed for his younger opponent in their embrace afterward and in his on-court interview. The tennis legend's classiness can get forgotten because of moments like him narrowly avoiding a default for almost hitting a ball kid.

His sincerity feels even more genuine because of an earlier incident in the match. Djokovic's outstanding show of sportsmanship, which was received very well by the crowd.

When Djokovic made an approach to the net, down 4-6 and 3-5, Musetti responded with a slice that landed low around his opponent's shoelaces. The 24-time Grand Slam champion met it with a drop volley, which the Italian sprinted towards.

Musetti attempted an angled cross-court passing shot past Djokovic, but it seemed to have failed when the ball landed wide, and umpire James Keothavong called the score in the former ATP world No. 1's favor.

However, Djokovic then surprised by revealing to the umpire that the ball had touched his racket before landing wide. Many audience members immediately applauded the 38-year-old, but Keothavong confirmed what happened to the crowd in case there were any doubts.

This was a heartwarming moment. Djokovic can be fiery on the court, but no one can doubt his fair play. That has been there for many years, and he showed that again for the millions of fans watching.

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will play in the Australian Open semifinal for the second time on Friday. Their previous meeting two years ago ended in a four-set triumph for the world No. 2, who went on to secure his maiden Grand Slam title.

Both players benefited from good fortune in their runs so far. Sinner was cramping in the high Melbourne temperatures against Eliot Spizzirri before the players were taken off court when the heat rule came into effect. He played much better and won after returning.

Djokovic admitted he would have lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinal if his opponent had not sustained an injury. The 23-year-old took the opening two sets and was outclassing the ten-time Australian Open champion before the physical issue.

Djokovic was defeated by Sinner in their previous five meetings, including three times at Grand Slams. Overcoming Sinner at 38, given the recent head-to-head, would arguably be one of his best achievements, despite everything he has achieved over the years.