Novak Djokovic broke a tie with rival Rafael Nadal by reaching the French Open quarterfinals for the record 17th time, never truly in trouble during a 6–3, 6–2, 6–2 victory over Juan Pablo Varillas on Sunday.
“Well, I’m proud of it, but my attention is already on the next match,” said Djokovic, who will play No. 11 Karen Khachanov for a semifinal berth that could come against No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. “I know what my goal is here. I’m trying to stay, mentally, the course and of course not look too far.”
That’s because Djokovic is closing on bettering Nadal in a more prestigious category: Grand Slam singles championships. Both currently sit at 22. For Djokovic, that total includes two at Roland Garros, in 2016 and 2021, and he can become the first man to own at least three trophies from each major tournament….