By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, June 2, 2025
Novak Djokovic crushed Cameron Norrie to score his 100th career Roland Garros win and charge into his 16th consecutive RG quarterfinal.
Photo credit: Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty
Slamming his racquet off the soles of his shoes to free clumps of clay, Novak Djokovic continues confident clean-up time in Paris.
Playing some immaculate drives, Djokovic swept Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to mark milestones with his 16th straight Roland Garros quarterfinal.
The 38-year-old Serbian superstar scored his 100th career French Open win—he joins all-time wins leader Rafael Nadal (112) as the second man to hit the century mark in Paris—and is the oldest man to reach Roland Garros quarterfinals since 39-year-old Hungarian István Gulyás did it back in 1971.
“I’m happy at the right moments I played good, like in the last couple of matches, very solid-straight sets win again,” Djokovic told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez afterward. “Maybe the scoreline doesn’t do justice of what was happening [in the second set], but overall in the third set again I was playing really well.
“I can always do better. Certain elements of the game that can be better and I’m going to work on doing that.”
The sixth-seeded Serbian broke serve seven times and won four games at love defeating Norrie for the second time in the last three weeks following a three-set Geneva win. It is Djokovic's eighth straight red clay victory.
"I mean, it was one of the best. Maybe not "the" best [match of the tournament]," Djokovic told the media in Paris. "In terms of how I was striking the ball, I think I played solid. I can always expect myself to play better.
"But I think, you know, considering the opponent's form, as well, and the last 16 round and the occasion, I think was a very good match. I mean, from my side, a very solid performance.
"A straight-set win again. I'm pleased with the way things are going. Obviously matches only get tougher. I look forward to the next challenge."
After a subpar start to the season, Djokovic is rising at the right time.
The Grand Slam king won his 100th career title in Geneva 16 days ago. Djokovic joined fellow icons Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the third man in Open Era history to capture 100 Tour-level titles.
Today, Djokovic advanced to his 19th Roland Garros quarterfinal breaking the record for most quarterfinals at a major he previously shared with Roger Federer.
Though Djokovic chases iconic records, he shared he doesn't spend a lot of time celebrating them in the moment.
"Yes and no," Djokovic told TNT's Mary Joe Fernandez when asked if he stops to recognize his records. "Yes, but it lasts very very short time because I have to, very next day, focus on next opponent, next tournament, next match still in tournament so I can’t reflect on it. To he honest, my feeling is you can’t fully reflect on it until you retire…
"Basically every week, every two weeks, is another tournament so the tension is still there. It’s tough to really reflect and be super happy about everything in the past. I think that kind of takes away a little bit of focus of what needs to be done to focus on your next tournament. I’m looking forward to sitting on beach [someday] reflecting on it with some cocktails."
Now, Djokovic is three wins away from relishing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown.
The good news for Djokovic: He has looked sharp and struck with conviction. For the sixth time in his career, Djokovic has not dropped a set en route to the French Open quarterfinals.
The bad news for Djokovic: His potential next three opponents are the Top 3 seeds who have all scored big wins over the Serbian.
Next up for Djokovic is 2024 finalist Alexander Zverev, who defeated the Grand Slam king in the Australian Open semifinals in January as Djokovic retired with a muscle tear in his left leg after dropping the opening set.
Earlier, Zverev led Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 3-0 when the 35th-ranked Dutchman retired after 51 minutes.
No. 3-seeded Zverev is playing for his fifth straight Roland Garros semifinal. Djokovic leads Zverev 8-5 overall, including a 3-1 edge in Grand Slam matches.
“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He's never going to be a black horse,” Zverev said of Djokovic. “He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on the big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.
“But Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos is the favorite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak, right? I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all. So, yeah, I think from now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament.”