Novak Djokovic Breaks Rafael Nadal's Record, Eases Into French Open Quarter-Finals

Novak Djokovic swept into the French Open quarter-finals for the 14th straight year on Sunday as world number one Carlos Alcaraz prepared for a tricky test against Italy's Lorenzo Musetti. Third seed Djokovic, who is chasing a record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros, ended the surprise run of Peruvian outsider Juan Pablo Varillas in straight sets. Djokovic, a two-time champion in Paris, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 against the 94th-ranked Varillas to book a meeting with Russia's Karen Khachanov, the 11th seed who overcame Lorenzo Sonego in four sets. "I had never played my opponent before. I knew he was a clay court specialist and that I had to earn the victory. It was the best I played this week," said Djokovic.

The 36-year-old Djokovic has yet to drop a set through four rounds. He is into a record 17th French Open quarter-final after making the last eight at a major for the 55th time.

"I am very proud of this record. I have put a lot of effort into my game and I am very motivated to continue," added Djokovic.

Varillas, 27, was the first player from Peru to reach the second week of a Grand Slam since Jaime Yzaga made the US Open quarter-finals 29 years ago.

Djokovic raced 4-0 ahead in the opening set only for Varillas to break in the next game and then have a chance to get back on serve in the seventh game.

But once Djokovic held for a 5-2 lead it was plain sailing for him as he closed out victory in just under two hours.

He holds an 8-1 record against his next opponent Khachanov, who recovered from a bad start to down Sonego 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 to reach his third straight Slam quarter-final.

Alcaraz is trying to return to the French Open last eight for the second year running.

He has looked every part the