Djokovic wins quickly in the fourth round of the French Open

It took 36-year-old tennis player Novak Djokovic less than two hours to defeat "dark horse" Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, and enter the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2023.

Djokovic won both of the first two break games of the match to take a deep lead in the first set. Despite a surprise break loss later, the former world number one won the remaining service games to take the lead. In the remaining two sets, things went even better for the Serbian, breaking Varillas two service games in each set. Before the clock had hit two hours, Djokovic had finished the match.

Novak Djokovic during his victory over Juan Pablo Varillas in the fourth round of the French Open at Roland Garros, Paris on June 4, 2023. Photo: AP

At 117 minutes, it was the quickest match since Marcos Giron's win over Jiri Lehecka in the second round. Djokovic also did not waste too much energy in his quarterfinal match against Karen Khachanov.

Varillas was a sensation at this year's French Open, not only making it past the first round of a Grand Slam for the first time, but also reaching the fourth round. But in all three previous matches, the Peruvian had to play five sets, eliminating Shang Juncheng, Roberto Bautista Agut and Hubert Hurkacz. Varillas' style of play was not enough to trouble a 22-time Grand Slam champion like Djokovic.

Djokovic continues his irresistible form at the Grand Slams, with an 18-match winning streak. He has also won 33 sets at this season's Grand Slams, losing just one set to Enzo Couacaud in the second round of the Australian Open. This is also the 17th time Djokovic has reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, surpassing the record of "King of Clay" Rafael Nadal. This is strange, because Nadal holds the record of 14 times reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open - a tournament where Djokovic is unrivaled in terms of titles.

Djokovic not only maintained his high level of performance, but also had a relaxed mentality. After an impressive point in the match against Varillas, he pointed his finger to his ear, then raised his hand to wave as if to ask the audience to continue cheering. The Philippe-Chatrier stadium also responded with applause for the 36-year-old player, making him smile. Because before that, many spectators booed Djokovic.

Khachanov is not a tough opponent for Djokovic in the quarterfinals in two days, having won eight of his nine meetings with the Russian. On clay, the Serb has also won both of their matches. If he reaches the semi-finals, Djokovic will likely meet world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

Hoang An

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