The veteran Australian Open star trio has dissolved, leaving Djokovic as the sole survivor, while Musetti boldly declares: I will push him to the limit.

The veteran Australian Open star trio composed of Wawrinka, Cilic, and Djokovic has finally broken up. Seeing Djokovic as the last remaining member facing a strong challenge from Musetti makes one appreciate how tough it is for these seasoned players to compete in tennis.

Wawrinka, Cilic, and Djokovic unexpectedly formed a group at the Australian Open after all three Grand Slam champions and veterans won on the same day. Fans and netizens dubbed it the "Veterans' Victory Day," and with Djokovic deliberately posting to celebrate, the "veteran star trio" was officially established.

“These guys are legends, among the greatest ever, especially Novak. I think in sports, age no longer matters.” Sabalenka, when discussing Wawrinka, Cilic, and Djokovic’s performance at the Australian Open, admitted she was amazed by them and posed a poignant question: Can you imagine maintaining such a competitive level at 37, 38, or 40 years old?

Originally, the three veterans all reaching the third round caused a huge stir in the tennis world. Now, with Sabalenka’s endorsement, the whirlwind they created at Melbourne Park has soared to new heights. At the same time, great expectations arise: can Wawrinka, Cilic, and Djokovic meet in the quarterfinals?

Unfortunately, this beautiful expectation shattered earlier than hoped. The excitement sparked by the veteran trio reaching the third round turned into a bittersweet farewell. In the end, only Djokovic remained in the draw, while Wawrinka and Cilic’s exits were somewhat melancholic.

Wawrinka faced Fritz in the third round. Considering he had just survived a grueling four-hour match in the previous round, the fate of the Swiss star became a major concern even before the high-profile match began.

The final outcome matched everyone’s worries: Wawrinka was defeated by Fritz and eliminated.

The reason many were moved to tears when the Swiss star departed was that after playing a more-than-four-hour match, he still pushed the young Fritz to four sets and lost narrowly. Wawrinka wasn’t beaten by his opponent but by the relentless passage of time. Had he been younger, given his excellent fighting spirit and strength shown at this Australian Open, it would have been hard for anyone to knock him out so early.

Cilic’s exit was equally filled with sadness!

Against Norway’s top player Ruud, the former US Open champion fought just as fiercely as Wawrinka did against Fritz. If not for Cilic’s age and stamina faltering at a critical moment, it was very likely the match would have extended to five sets before a winner emerged.

Among the three, the youngest, Djokovic, advanced past Vandeweghe in the third round, becoming the last shining hope of the veteran trio. Later, he progressed to the quarterfinals by a walkover after Menchik’s injury withdrawal, earning him the nickname “the luckiest old guy” from some fans and netizens, who hope he can carry this fortune to claim his 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

However, to get closer to this thrilling moment, Djokovic must face a strong challenge from Musetti, who is coming with fierce momentum this time.

After defeating Fritz and meeting Djokovic in the quarterfinals, Musetti openly declared, “I feel ready and will try to push him to his limits,” when discussing this marquee clash with the Serbian star.

Djokovic and Musetti have met ten times before, with Musetti’s only win coming at the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters. In theory, although Djokovic is older, his skill and current form remain strong, making it difficult for the Italian to overturn their head-to-head record. As long as the Serbian star doesn’t falter, this should be an easy win. But Musetti believes he is no longer the inexperienced young player he once was: “I feel more mature on the court.” Moreover, beating Fritz to unlock the achievement of reaching the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams has clearly boosted his confidence and morale, adding to the threat he poses to Djokovic.

However, some emphasize that although Musetti claims he will push Djokovic to the limit, there is a prerequisite: the Serbian star must give him the chance. Saying and doing are two different things.

The much-anticipated clash between Djokovic and Musetti will start around 9 a.m. Beijing time tomorrow. Whether the Italian can deliver on his promise or the 38-year-old veteran will teach him another lesson is eagerly awaited!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)