Novak Djokovic is hoping to cash in following an unprecedented saloon passage into the Australian Open semi-finals, reaching the last four despite not winning a set in his past two rounds.
Djokovic will face the man who took his AO crown two years ago, Jannik Sinner, tomorrow.
Bidding for a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park, Djokovic admitted he got "extremely lucky" when his wounded quarter-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired while leading two sets to love last night.
The Italian fifth seed revealed he'd suffered an adductor injury in the second set and was unable to continue, signalling his withdrawal with the scoreline 6-4 6-3 1-3.
"He was a far better player. I was on my way home tonight," 38-year-old Djokovic said.
"I really wish him a speedy recovery and he should have been a winner today."
Musetti's retirement followed the injury-enforced withdrawal of Jakub Mensik, who was unable to play their fourth-round match giving Djokovic's enduring quest for a 25th grand slam title a major boost.
Australian great Pat Rafter said this week he believed less time on the court could prove a big difference for the AO king, who was stopped in the semis at all four slams last year.
While certainly fresh after skipping a round, Djokovic was troubled by blisters and called a medical timeout after the first two sets.
The issue also flared during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp although Djokovic said it was a "minor issue".
Following treatment, a revitalised Djokovic broke Musetti to go ahead 2-1 in the third set only for the Italian to call for a physio to work on his upper leg, and then ended the match soon after.
The super Serb gave the Italian praise for his play and said he would have to lift to have a chance at another title at Melbourne Park.
"I don't want to take out anything from Musetti's variety that he put in and the quality of tennis he put in today as it was great, for sure, but I think I've underperformed," Djokovic said.
"I know that if I'm feeling well and the body is holding on and I'm playing well, then, I mean, I always have a chance.
"It's semi-finals of a grand slam, so in terms of level of confidence and motivation, I mean, of course, it's always there.
"It must be. Otherwise, what's the point of competing?"
Sinner downed American Ben Shelton in straight sets later last night to set up a fifth major semi against Djokovic.
"These are the moments you practice for, why you wake up in the morning and you look forward to playing a good match," Sinner said.
"If you want to win you have to play at your best so I'm looking forward to it.
"We are still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis with his age ... it's going to be very difficult."
Musetti was also forced to retire from the French Open semi-finals last year due to injury, having taken the first set from eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, but said this latest outcome was particularly devastating.
"Honestly, I never imagined, you know, the feeling of leading two sets to zero against Novak and playing like that and have the lead of the match like that and be forced to retire is something that, of course, I will never imagine," the 23-year-old fifth seed said.
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