Djokovic Joins Nadal in Century Club

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Novak Djokovic’s legacy at Roland Garros added another line of brilliance on Monday as the three-time champion powered past Britain’s Cameron Norrie in straight sets — 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 — to record his 100th match victory at the French Open. In doing so, he joined Rafael Nadal as only the second man in history to reach a century of wins at the Paris Grand Slam.

The milestone moment, achieved in typically clinical fashion, keeps Djokovic on course for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title and reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s most enduring forces, even at 38.

New Century in Paris

Nadal’s 112-match win record at Roland Garros stands as one of the most iconic in tennis, and Djokovic has long chased the Spaniard’s shadow on the red clay. Monday’s win marks a new personal benchmark: Roland Garros is now officially Djokovic’s most successful Slam in terms of matches won, nudging ahead of his 99 wins at the Australian Open — where he has lifted the trophy 10 times.

Speaking to the French crowd after the match, Djokovic said, “It’s a number which is very good and nice, but a 101st win is even better. It’s not finished for me here. I feel very good and good to make history here.”

If his form so far is any indicator, that 101st win could arrive sooner than later.

Vintage Novak 

Djokovic hasn’t dropped a set through four rounds in Paris — a 12-set sweep that’s showcased his trademark intensity and meticulous point construction. Against Norrie, the world No. 1 recovered from an early exchange of breaks to completely dominate proceedings on Court Philippe Chatrier.

While Norrie, ranked 33rd, tried to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm with aggressive left-handed strokes, the Serb responded with unwavering court coverage and relentless depth. A break to love early in the third set after a Norrie error all but sealed the Briton's fate.

“I feel good, I have a lot of expectations from my game,” Djokovic said. “Every day I play better... everything is positive and solid at the moment.”

The victory extends Djokovic’s perfect record against Norrie to 6–0, following a similarly one-sided win en route to the Geneva title in May.

Quarter-Final Bound  

With the win, Djokovic advances to his 17th French Open quarter-final — and remarkably, his 16th in a row — becoming the oldest man to do so at Roland Garros since Istvan Gulyas in 1971.

Next up: a clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s third seed. The pair last met in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, a match Djokovic was forced to retire from due to injury. He currently leads their head-to-head 8–5.

Given Djokovic’s form, fitness, and fire, the Parisian crowd can expect a marquee battle.

Still Hungry

Despite a year that has otherwise lacked the dominance typically associated with Djokovic — albeit one that still included a 100th ATP title — the Serb’s form in Paris is peaking at the right time. His movement, shot selection, and mental sharpness appear undiminished, sending a message to the younger field that his era is far from over.

With history in sight and Nadal watching from retirement, Djokovic’s 2025 French Open campaign is building into something special — another chapter in a career already defined by records, resilience, and relentless ambition.