Novak Djokovic Breaks Nadal’s Record For French Open

Novak Djokovic broke a French Open quarterfinals record after his three wins (6-3, 6-2,6-2) over Juan Pablo Varillas on Sunday. This also breaks the tie with his rival Rafael Nadal, as Djokovic has reached the quarterfinals for the French Open 17 times.

Djokovic has also reached the French Open quarterfinals for the 14th consecutive year, which is the most for the event. This is five years longer than the next best with nine, which is from Swiss former pro tennis player Roger Federer.

However, this is only the beginning for the 36-year-old, as he could beat 37-year-old Nadal’s record for Grand Slam singles championships. Both are at 22 championships currently, and the Serbian tennis player could be the first ever in men’s tennis to hoist at least three trophies from each major tournament.

In comparison to Djokovic, the Spanish tennis star has won in Paris 14 times but due to a hip injury, is not in the match this time as he underwent arthroscopic surgery last Friday and is expected to be out for five months at least.

Peru’s Varillas, who was 94th-ranked, was the first Peruvian to reach the fourth round of a grand slam in 29 years. But he dominated the first three sets of Djokovic unsurprisingly.

Djokovic matched up with Russian Karen Khachanov, who was 11-ranked in the contest. Despite being a tougher match, the Serbian continues his victories as he won three out of the four sets, losing the first set 4-6 before roaring back with the next three sets, scoring 7-6, 6-2, and 6-4.

Djokovic statically has been on a hot streak, as finished with more than twice as many winners, 35-15, for the French Open. So far, he has converted 6 of 12 break points, is 15 for 17 on trips to the net, and 80% of his first serves. The Serbian has fewer unforced errors and has only dropped his serve once while not giving up a set yet through four matches.

Federer, who retired with 58 career major quarterfinals, is the only male pro tennis player to reach more than Djokovic, who is sitting at 55 career major quarterfinals. Winning at Roland Garros in 2016 and 2021, his next matchup in the Court Philippe Chatrier is on June 9 and his opponent is still TBD.

Article by Andrew Kim

Projected Summer, 2023 Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Studies/ Journalism from Mercy College.