“My attention is already in the next match” – Djokovic not phased by latest record at Roland-Garros

After making his 17th quarter-final at Roland-Garros, Novak Djokovic is not dwelling on the achievement. Instead, he’s fully focused on the task ahead in week two of Roland-Garros 2023.

Djokovic at Roland-Garros 2023 – © AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Bren Gray

June 5, 2023

For the 17^th time, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has reached the Roland-Garros quarter-finals. The world No 3 did so with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Juan Pablo Varillas, but isn’t dwelling on the latest milestone.

“My attention is already in the next match,” stated the No 3 seed, when asked how proud he is of his achievement.

Djokovic laser-focused on challenge to come

It’s no surprise that for a man who has made the Roland-Garros quarter-finals on 17 occasions, Novak Djokovic knows how to remain focused in a Grand Slam.

That’s exactly what the Serbian is determined to do heading into the second week of Roland-Garros, as he looks ahead to his remaining matches.

“Obviously quarterfinals, Khachanov, I know what my goal is here,” Djokovic declared following his win over Varillas.

“I’m trying to stay mentally the course and of course not look too far. The performance of today gives me a great deal of confidence about how I felt, about how I played. So I’m looking forward to the next match.”

Khachanov stands between Djokovic and potential Alcaraz semi-final

Novak Djokovic admits that he has been keeping an eye on the draw, and tracking how his biggest rivals are progressing in Roland-Garros 2023.

“You always follow the top guys, you know, in your half or whatever, how they’re playing,” the No 3 seed said. “Of course you’re looking, you’re analysing everyone’s game. You’re basically following what’s going on in the draw.”

In Djokovic’s side of the draw is Carlos Alcaraz, the world No 1 and winner of the US Open in 2022. Should both men win their quarter-finals, then they’ll meet in a blockbusting semi-final.

It’s only about the next step.
Novak Djokovic

However, Novak isn’t getting ahead of himself, and instead is focused on the task at hand—a quarter-final against Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

“Most of the attention is obviously focused on you, on what you need to deliver on the court, how you need to perform, how you need to win the next match. It’s only about the next step.”

Djokovic holds an 8-1 head-to-head against Khachanov, with the Serbian winning their last seven encounters, including a 6-4, 6-1 victory at the Paris Masters last year.