In the hallowed red clay of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic has once again etched his name into tennis history, joining an elite club with his 100th match win at the 2025 French Open. The 38-year-old Serbian maestro achieved this milestone with a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the fourth round, becoming only the third man—and second at Roland Garros—after Rafael Nadal to reach a century of wins at a single Grand Slam. With Nadal’s unparalleled 112-4 record at the tournament setting an almost mythical benchmark, Djokovic’s ascent to 100 wins underscores his relentless pursuit of greatness, even as he navigates the twilight of his career. As he advances to his record-breaking 19th Roland Garros quarterfinal, the question looms: can Djokovic close the gap on Nadal’s iconic legacy and claim a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title?
Djokovic’s performance against Norrie was a testament to his enduring brilliance. Displaying clinical precision, he dismantled the British left-hander in just over two hours, leveraging his signature baseline dominance and versatile shot-making. “History in this sport has given me everything in my life, it means a lot to me,” Djokovic said, reflecting on the milestone. “I always try to make history where I can… In all the tournaments I play, all the practises, all the matches, and especially during the biggest tournaments in the world.” His 100-16 record at Roland Garros, coupled with a perfect 19-0 in fourth-round matches, highlights his consistency at a tournament where he has triumphed three times (2016, 2021, 2023). This victory also saw him surpass Roger Federer’s record of 18 quarterfinals at a single major, cementing his place as the player with the most quarterfinal appearances (19) at Roland Garros in the Open Era.
The shadow of Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay,” looms large over Djokovic’s campaign. Nadal, who retired in November 2024 after a storied career, was honored at Roland Garros on May 25, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Djokovic, Federer, and Andy Murray. The emotional tribute, where Nadal’s 14 French Open titles and 112 wins were celebrated, left a profound impact on Djokovic. “Honestly, I was thinking about my end of the road as well yesterday when we were watching Rafa having his speech,” he admitted, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability. “I do wish one day that I can get the kind of goodbye from the world of tennis, for sure.” Nadal’s dominance, with a 6-0 record against Federer and an 8-2 edge over Djokovic at Roland Garros, remains the gold standard, but Djokovic’s milestone brings him tantalizingly close to the Spaniard’s legacy.
Djokovic’s journey to the quarterfinals has been a blend of resilience and resurgence. After a rocky clay season marked by early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he found his rhythm in Geneva, capturing his 100th tour-level title just days before Roland Garros. His straight-sets wins over Mackenzie McDonald, Corentin Moutet, and Filip Misolic showcased a return to form, despite a minor setback with a blister on his left foot during the Moutet match. “It’s a different feeling for me now than it was two, three weeks ago, for sure,” Djokovic said, crediting his Geneva triumph for boosting his confidence. His 21-match winning streak on Parisian clay, unbroken since a 2022 loss to Nadal, underscores his adaptability on a surface once considered his toughest.
The Serbian now faces a formidable challenge in No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev, who holds a 5-8 head-to-head record but defeated Djokovic at the Australian Open earlier this year via retirement. “There is an opportunity to make more history, and that is one of the biggest motivations I have for competitions,” Djokovic said, eyeing a potential fourth Roland Garros title. A victory could propel him past Taylor Fritz in the ATP rankings and set up a blockbuster semifinal against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. At 38, Djokovic is the oldest Roland Garros quarterfinalist in 55 years, a testament to his physical and mental fortitude.
Nadal’s farewell ceremony, where he tearfully thanked his rivals, highlighted the camaraderie beneath their fierce battles. “We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well,” Nadal said, a sentiment echoed by Djokovic’s presence on court. As Djokovic continues his quest, his 100th win not only bridges the gap to Nadal’s record but also serves as a poignant reminder of their shared legacy. With the tennis world watching, Djokovic’s pursuit of history at Roland Garros is a thrilling chapter in a career that refuses to slow down.
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