Djokovic's last meeting with Musetti on clay was a gruelling Roland Garros clash in 2021, in which he battled back from two sets down to win, but this time it was the Italian who claimed a comeback victory in a windy, rain-interrupted contest on Thursday.
Both players struggled on their serve in a contest littered with 15 breaks, but Djokovic appeared to have the last-16 match in hand as he comfortably took the first set.
However, Musetti refused to go down without a fight and the Italian stepped on the gas in the second set to level the topsy-turvy encounter.
Not even a lengthy halt in play due to rain could dampen Musetti's momentum, and the 21-year-old once again took advantage of a weak serving performance from Djokovic to break and take the win.
“I'm struggling not to cry,” Musetti said.
“It was a really long match, not easy conditions. It was a bit windy, cold.
“I'm really proud of myself. The rallies were long, it was a tough, physical battle. Beating Novak is something remarkable for me.”
Next up in the quarter-finals, Musetti will face fellow Italian, seventh seed Jannik Sinner, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1.
Watched on by sprint great Usain Bolt, Hurkacz took a 3-0 lead in the opening set before wrapping it up with two fiery first serves.
After the pair traded breaks at 2-2 in the second set, Sinner saved a match point in the tiebreak and dragged the contest into a decider.
The Italian then got his nose in front and held firm to complete the win as Hurkacz faded.
AAP
