“Need to continue my rehabilitation”: Lorenzo Musetti withdraws from Mexican Open after Australian Open injury

World No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti has confirmed he will not compete in the Mexican Open in Acapulco as he continues his recovery from the leg injury that forced him to retire at the Australian Open. The Italian, who was on the verge of a landmark Grand Slam result in Melbourne, withdrew for a third consecutive tournament and will have to wait for his return — at least — until Indian Wells.

Musetti had produced one of the standout performances of his career in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, leading Novak Djokovic by two sets and a break. The 23-year-old was ahead 6-4, 6-3, 3-1 when physical discomfort escalated, ultimately forcing him to stop after two hours and eight minutes on court.

The defeat extended Djokovic’s head-to-head advantage over Musetti to 10-1, continuing a pattern that has often seen the Italian start strongly before fading in major encounters. On this occasion, however, there was little indication of a collapse. Musetti appeared in control before the injury intervened.

Following examinations in Italy, Musetti has now confirmed that his comeback will require more time. His absence from Acapulco marks another interruption in what had been shaping as a significant season for the Italian, who had already underlined his progress with a deep run in Melbourne.

In a brief statement shared on social media, Musetti outlined the outcome of his latest assessment and confirmed he will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation on his right leg. “Hi all, just wanted to share an update on my recovery. I’ve just had my medical evaluation and unfortunately need to continue my rehabilitation before I can get back on court and compete.”

The decision rules him out of Acapulco, a key ATP 500 event in the early hard-court swing. For a player currently ranked No. 5 in the world, the withdrawal will mean spending — at least — five weeks out of competition. “Sadly, this means I won’t be able to play in Acapulco. Thanks to everyone for the continued support — can’t wait to be back!”

The Italian remains entered for Indian Wells — where he will be the fifth seed and defends the third round reached in 2025 — when he was eliminated by Arthur Fils.

Musetti’s latest update follows an abrupt end to what had been a defining fortnight at the Australian Open. He had secured notable victories earlier in the tournament and was closing in on his first Grand Slam semi-final when the injury struck against Djokovic.

He had required treatment from the physio early in the third set but initially attempted to continue. The level he had displayed across the opening two sets reflected both tactical clarity and improved resilience in best-of-five matches, an area that had previously raised questions in his rivalry with Djokovic.

Instead, the retirement shifted the narrative once again. Djokovic advanced and later moved deeper into the draw, while Musetti was left to reassess. For a player who has frequently been competitive in marquee matchups, the latest episode reinforced both his progress and his vulnerability to physical setbacks at decisive moments.

“I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him. He was the far better player — I was on my way home tonight. I don’t know what to say,” said Djokovic. “I mean, these kinds of things happen in 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 — it’s so unfortunate.”