Paris (AFP)

Novak Djokovic was due to pass his first test at Roland Garros on Monday in the round of 16 against Karen Khachanov: the world No. 1 succeeded with flying colors by winning 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and will play his 14th quarter-final at Roland Garros, tying Rafael Nadal's record.

"The match was very balanced and more difficult than what the result shows," commented the Serbian.

At the end, I found my serve at the right time and my legs ran well, quickly, on the important points. "

"My ambitions are very high, like every time I play in Paris. It's not a cliché, but I have to focus on the next opponent," he added.

It will be either the Spaniard Pablo Carreno (18th) or the German Daniel Altmaier (186th and from qualifying).

The two players were to decide between themselves on Monday afternoon on the Suzanne-Lenglen court, but the rain fell on Roland-Garros around 3:00 p.m., delaying the entire program (except on the central court with a roof ).

Djokovic has therefore still not lost a single set since the start of the tournament where he is aiming for an 18th Grand Slam title to get closer to Roger Federer (20) and Nadal (19).

"I did not lose a set until the quarter-finals, that's good. I feel good on the court and ... let's go!", He said.

He also notched his 35th victory this season, with the only failure his disqualification in the round of 16 of the US Open.

Incidentally, he won two Masters 1000, Cincinnati and Rome.

He now alone holds the record of 36 titles in this category, ahead of Nadal (35).

He also improved on Monday one of his own records, reaching his 11th quarter at Roland Garros in a row.

He will play his 47th quarterfinal, 10 lengths from Federer's record (57).

© 2020 AFP