Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, surviving what he called a “massive scare” against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at Melbourne Park. The 38-year-old Serbian star had been trailing by two sets and looked on the brink of elimination before a twist of fate kept his record-breaking campaign alive.

Musetti, seeded fifth, dominated the early stages, taking the first set 6-4 and the second 6-3, and held a 3-1 lead in the third. However, the Italian was forced to retire due to a leg injury, handing Djokovic an unexpected passage into the last four. The champion, who has already won the title 10 times in Melbourne, admitted afterwards that he felt “extremely lucky,” confessing that he was “on my way home” before the injury intervened.

“I feel really sorry for him — he was the far better player,” Djokovic said in his post-match interview, acknowledging Musetti’s strong performance before the match ended prematurely. He also spoke about his gratitude and said he would be “doubling his prayers” ahead of his next match.

The victory not only keeps Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive but also marked his 103rd match win at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer’s record for most singles victories at the tournament.