The three-time Roland-Garros champion advances to meet Joao Fonseca or Dino Prizmic.
Another day, another era-defining slice of greatness from Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian continued his campaign to become the only player to lift 25 Grand Slam singles titles with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3 win over French youngster Valentin Royer on Wednesday.
In so doing, Djokovic rubber-stamped his record 21st consecutive Roland-Garros third-round showing. On top of that, the 39-year-old is the first man ever to play 120 matches at a sole Grand Slam event, eclipsing Roger Federer’s Wimbledon tally of 119.
"I’m relieved. Obviously, it feels different when you win the match. It’s a very important victory in difficult conditions for both players. It was very hot and I think Valentin deserves big credit for his performance today," said Djokovic, shortly after converting his fourth match point.
"It was a very tough match, a challenge right from the start. It’s normal that things get tricky on court in these sort of conditions and atmosphere. I hope I don’t have to play another French player again until the end of the tournament!
"Experience helps a little, actually a lot. In the heat of the moment, you have to give everything you've got and stay focused on every point. But that's easier said than done.
"Valentin received a lot of support, which made it difficult for me. On match point in the tie-break (third set), I was too passive and Valentin deserved to win that third set. In the fourth, my break was enough and I’m very happy to have managed to win."
The opening two sets were a bottle of vintage Djokovic. The three-time Roland-Garros winner was reading the patterns of Royer and hitting a series of laser-focused shots.
At certain moments the Frenchman had his hands on his hips, perplexed by the level the world No.4 was showing.
But Royer refused to back down. The 24-year-old’s perseverance was rewarded as he unleashed his hooked forehand to level at 4-4 in the third set. By now the Chatrier crowd was urging on their charge, sensing the momentum was shifting.
Into a tie-break and Djokovic held match point at 6-5. Again, Royer refused to capitulate bringing bold hitting and agile movement to keep the 24-time major winner on the back foot.
A few points later and a Djokovic backhand sailed long, prompting a monumental roar from the Parisian faithful as the clash continued.
With the heat on, would the world No.4 get dragged into a marathon? Not quite. Instead, Djokovic conjured up the shot of the tournament so far. Sprinting right to reach a Royer approach shot, the 39-year-old connected to send a missile-like forehand between the net post and umpire’s chair.
But there was still drama to come. With Djokovic serving for the match, Royer saved a further two match points before the Serbian could seal victory and a place in the last 32.
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
