Djokovic cruises past Varillas to reach record 17th French Open quarter-final

World No 3 Novak Djokovic blew away Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas in straight sets on Sunday to reach a record 17th quarter-final at the French Open.

Third seed Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to overtake Rafael Nadal's last-eight record in Paris and reach a 55th Grand Slam quarter-final.

The Serbian is aiming to win a third French Open title and clinch a record 23rd men's Grand Slam crown. Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles, was forced to miss this year's tournament to have surgery on a hip injury.

The 36-year-old Djokovic, who won the Roland Garros crown in 2016 and 2021, will next meet 11th seed Karen Khachanov for a place in the semi-finals.

"There was a great atmosphere, I really felt the love today. Thank you for all your support," said Djokovic after the match.

"Today was the first time I played [Juan Pablo Varillas]. It was the best I played this week. The last couple of years he has started to make some progress in the world tennis scene. He is a real specialist on this surface. I had to try and dictate points but he is very consistent.

"I’m very happy. That was the most high level I have played yet and I am very, very happy.

"I’m not that young any more and you have to be winning a lot. Like any other player it’s not the same for me as it was 10 years ago. I have to try and handle it with my body a bit more, be a little more careful. I’m very happy and motivated still."

On overtaking Nadal's quarter-final record in Paris, he said: "I am very proud of this record. I have put a lot of effort into my game and I am very motivated to continue."

Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Juan Pablo Varillas of Peru after winning their fourth-round match. EPA

With the wind swirling around Court Philippe Chatrier,