Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic celebrates 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory against Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas during French Open tournament, on the Philippe Chatrier court in Paris, France.

French Open: Novak Djokovic Secures Quarter-Final Spot

Last updated Jun 4, 2023

Men’s tennis World number three Novak Djokovic moved closer to a 23rd Grand Slam title after beating Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Sunday to reach the French Open quarter-finals.

The Serbian, who is tied with Spain’s Rafael Nadal on a men’s record 22 majors, was untroubled by his 94th-ranked opponent on a windy day at the Philippe Chatrier court.

Djokovic attacked Varillas from the start, moving the Peruvian around as the tactic instantly paid off with two quick breaks in succession for a 4-0 lead.

Novak Djokovic in action during match against

Varillas had come back from two sets down in two of his three previous matches, but could not get back into this game as his opponent clinched the first set.

It was a similar story in the next two with Varillas playing catch-up from the start and Djokovic firing winners at will before an easy volley on his first match point saw him seal his record last eight spot.

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A two-time champion in Paris, Djokovic has now reached the quarter-finals at the French Open for a record 17th time, one more than 14-time champion Rafael Nadal who is absent this year due to injury.

Novak Djokovic (R) with Juan Pablo Varillas (L) after French Open match.

“I am proud of all the records but it also means I am not young any more,” said the 36-year-old Djokovic.“It was the best level of tennis I have played here so I am very satisfied.”

“I put in a lot of effort like all the players and the situation today is not the same like, say, 10 years ago. When I play like today I am satisfied and motivated to continue.”

Djokovic puts an end to Varillas’ dream run ✖️#RolandGarros | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/NLQp8DZ9mh

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2023

Djokovic will next face next 11th seed Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals of the French Open.

The Serbian will be seeking to reach yet another French Open semi-final for a chance to break the men’s all-time Grand Slam record.

Novak Djokovic played some of his best tennis of the tournament against Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 💯

Watch the highlights 👇#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/29iGQz9ayr

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2023

Source Reuters Roland Garros