Australian Open 2026: Lorenzo Musetti beats Taylor Fritz to set up Novak Djokovic quarter-final

Lorenzo Musetti produced a dominant display to beat Taylor Fritz in straight sets and set up an Australian Open quarter-final against 10-time winner Novak Djokovic.

After coming through a gruelling five-set battle against Tomas Machac two days earlier, Musetti cruised to a 6-2 7-5 6-4 win over the American ninth seed.

The 23-year-old Italian, ranked fifth in the world, has now reached the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments and said he will push Djokovic to his “maximum”.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the last eight after Jakub Mensik withdrew before their fourth-round match with an abdominal injury.

“Novak, we’ve played many, many times and every time it’s a lesson,” said Musetti, who has won only one of his 10 meetings with the Serb.

“He didn’t have to play today, so I’m pretty sure he won’t be tired. Hopefully the rhythm I have right now with the great match today will bring me luck for the next one.

“I feel ready to try to push him to the maximum.”

Djokovic, 38, will have had three days off to rest and recover by the time he faces Musetti on Wednesday.