Novak Djokovic explains how he feels to be on the brink of taking a French Open record away from Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic has continued his winning streak after beating Filip Misolic to reach the last-16 at the French Open.

Djokovic won the Geneva Open leading up to this year’s French Open, finding some form after back-to-back losses on clay.

After a short turnaround from the Geneva tournament, there were some questions over Djokovic and whether he would be able to sustain this level in Paris.

However, there does not appear to be any signs of fatigue yet for the 38-year-old, who has now won three straight set matches at the French Open.

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Novak Djokovic explains how he feels to be on the brink of overtaking Rafael Nadal record

Djokovic beat Austrian qualifier Misolic, 6-3 6-4 6-2, in the night session match on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

This was his 99th match win at the French Open, putting Djokovic just one win away from reaching the century.

That is not the only record that Djokovic is looking to accomplish, as he has now confirmed that he will match the recently retired Rafael Nadal for most matches played at the French Open.

Nadal played 116 matches in his dominant run in Paris, with Djokovic now needing just one win to overtake his former rival.

When this statistic was put to Djokovic in the media mixed zone, he admitted that he cannot compare himself to Nadal at the French Open.

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However, the Serbian did confess that he was pleased with the longevity he has been able to achieve in the sport.

“Slightly different records we have here, but that’s okay,” Djokovic said to laughter. “But look, I think I can’t be compared to Rafa in this tournament, but to know that I played now almost as many matches as he has played in his entire career at this tournament is amazing.

“You know, just that stat alone in terms of longevity is something particularly in the last five to seven years that I was looking for, to try and extend my career, to be playing on the highest level for as long as I possibly can regardless of the age and that’s what is happening so I can’t be happier with that.”

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal at the French Open

Djokovic and Nadal were part of one of the most legendary rivalries in sporting history, and the French Open produced some of their most iconic matches.

Having won a record 14 titles in Paris, Nadal is head and shoulders above Djokovic and everyone else in terms of titles.

Nadal was also able to beat Djokovic in eight of their 10 meetings at the French Open, including three finals.

Despite having the big advantage on clay over his rival, Djokovic is the only player in history to have multiple wins over Nadal at the French Open.

French Open Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal Win-loss Record 99-16 (86%) 112-4 (97%) Titles 3 14 Wins in head-to-head 2 8

Djokovic will now look to overtake Nadal for most matches played at the Parisian major when he plays Cameron Norrie.

Norrie has never beaten Djokovic in their five previous meetings, including in the semi-finals of the recent Geneva Open.

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