French Open 2023: It was my best performance in the tournament so far – Novak Djokovic after beating Juan Pablo Varillas

 

Novak Djokovic admitted it was his best performance of the tournament after he bested Juan Pablo Varillas in the fourth round of Roland Garros. The Serbian got the better of the Peruvian by 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach a record 17th Roland Garros quarter-final.

Djokovic was able to hit the ground running and dominated the contest from the get-go. The World No.3 wrapped up the match in one hour and 57 minutes and came up with his best against the World No. 94.

In fact, Djokovic was pushed to limits in the first two sets against Davidovich Fokina in the third round but the Serbian made short work against Varillas as he made great use of his experience to get the better of his opponent.

Djokovic smashed 35 winners and converted six of the 12 break points in his dominant performance.

“[There was] great energy on the court, from the crowd and myself as well,” said Djokovic after the match. “I really enjoyed it, my best performance in the tournament so far.

“It came exactly at the right time, as I’m coming in to the second week and obviously playing another quarter-final, the matches are going to get tougher. Bigger challenges, but I like the way I’m playing and the way I’m feeling, so I look forward to a new challenge.”

Djokovic is on the cusp of writing history as the 23rd Grand Slam (the most by any male player) beckons. Furthermore, the Serbian could return to the numero uno position in the ATP rankings if he wins his third French Open title. However, Djokovic is focused on the job at hand and as always doesn’t want to think too far ahead.

“[I’m] definitely better than I did in the last couple of months,” said Djokovic, when asked about whether the opportunity to create Grand Slam history brought him extra nerves.

“The past 10 days have been the best that I have felt since the Australian Open, so that’s good. That’s positive news. I just have to keep going and not allow myself to think too far [ahead], but I’m on a good path.”

Novak Djokovic will take on Russia’s Karen Khachanov in his 17th Roland Garros quarterfinal.