Novak Djokovic shows 'sportsmanship of the highest order' as he concedes key point against Lorenzo Musetti after time-violation exchange with umpire

Novak Djokovic advanced into the Australian Open semi-finals after Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from their quarter-final with injury while leading by two-sets-to-love. Djokovic, 38, had shown his sporting side as he conceded a point at a key moment in the second set. The 10-time champion was also involved in an exchange with chair umpire James Keothavong over a time violation.

Novak Djokovic showed "sportsmanship of the highest order" as he conceded a point at a key moment in his Australian Open quarter-final against Lorenzo Musetti.

Djokovic, a 10-time champion in Melbourne and seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, won the match after Musetti retired due to injury with a two-set lead.

Musetti had broken to take the second set after Djokovic told chair umpire James Keothavong that he had hit a ball that passed him at the net.

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Djokovic trailed 5-3 in the set when it looked like he had moved 40-15 up on serve as Musetti hit a forehand past that went wide.

However, it turned out Musetti had in fact won the point.

Djokovic walked to Keothavong and told him that he had clipped the ball as it had gone past him.

"I touched it," he said.

Keothavong told Rod Laver Arena: "Mr Djokovic has told us he touched the ball, conceding the point. 30-30."

The announcement was greeted with a warm round of applause.

"That is sportsmanship of the highest order," said TNT Sports commentator Nick Mullins.

Watch dramatic moment Musetti retires when leading Djokovic by two sets

Video credit: TNT Sports

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"Only he will have felt that."

The point proved crucial as Djokovic lost the game and was broken to drop the second set.

Djokovic was involved in another exchange with the umpire earlier in the match when he appeared annoyed that he wasn't given a "heads up" before being hit with a time violation.

Djokovic was given the penalty at 4-3 down in the first set when he kept Musetti waiting to serve as he seemingly looked for a cap in his bag.

He then spoke to Keothavong at the next change of ends.

"You can’t give me a heads-up?" asked the 10-time champion.

"I was looking for my cap, I was changing, you could have given me a heads-up, as a gentleman and someone who has been in sport for a couple of decades. Mid first set, first time I go over you give me a warning, you think that’s fair?

Watch: Djokovic fumes 'you couldn't give me a heads-up?' in umpire exchange over warning

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I’m not saying it’s not against the rules because I went over, but you could have given me a heads-up, right?"

Fifth seed Musetti looked like he would end Djokovic’s hopes of a record 25th Grand Slam title as he opened up a commanding lead on Rod Laver Arena.

But the Italian needed a medical timeout at the start of the third set and retired while leading 4-6 3-6 3-1.

"I don't know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him," said Djokovic.

"He was by far the better player. I was on my way home.

Watch: Djokovic 'out of sorts' as he aims frustration at chair umpire - 'What is going on here?'

Video credit: TNT Sports

"These kinds of things happen in this sport and it happened to me a few times, but being in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, two sets to love up and being in full control. So unfortunate.

"I don't know what else I can say. I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there's no doubt."

Djokovic will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semi-finals.

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