Novak Djokovic moved into the fourth round of the French Open for the 16th straight year on Saturday night, defeating qualifier Filip Misolic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a match that unfolded against an unusually noisy backdrop—thanks to Paris Saint-Germain fans celebrating their club’s historic Champions League victory just blocks away.
As Djokovic took care of business on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stadium echoed with cheers, fireworks, and crowd reactions—not for his tennis, but for PSG’s stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, which many spectators were watching live on their phones.
“I could hear them celebrating… way too many times,” Djokovic said with a grin. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of goals from Paris!’ I heard it ended 5-0—quite a result, to be honest.”
The match even paused briefly during the third set as fans erupted during PSG’s fourth goal, prompting the chair umpire to ask for quiet—a request met with boos and whistles from the excitable crowd.
Despite the distractions, the 38-year-old Serbian star remained composed throughout. Djokovic didn’t drop a set for the third consecutive match and extended his unbeaten Grand Slam record against players ranked as low as Misolic, No. 153 in the world. Misolic, 15 years Djokovic’s junior and making just his second Slam appearance, managed to hold off seven break points early in the second game—but Djokovic eventually broke through on his 10th chance and never looked back.
“It was solid when I needed it to be,” Djokovic said. “There’s always something to improve, but overall I’m pleased with the level of tennis so far.”
He tallied 33 winners against just 14 unforced errors, and faced only one break point, which he saved with ease. The win brings his career record at Roland Garros to 99-16—matching his win total at the Australian Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has lifted the trophy in Paris three times and is eyeing No. 25 this year. Last season, his run ended in the fourth round when he tore his right knee meniscus, forcing him to withdraw. This year, he’s back healthy and focused—and in the last 16, he’ll face Britain’s Cam Norrie, a gritty opponent whom Djokovic has beaten in all five of their previous meetings.
“He’s a big fighter. He’s a grinder,” said Djokovic of Norrie, who he defeated recently at the Geneva Open in his run to his 100th career title. “Cameron is known for that on the tour.”
While Djokovic’s tennis was clinical, he couldn’t help but embrace the festive atmosphere of the Paris night. “Night sessions are always louder, more electric,” he said. “I would’ve liked to watch the football match myself. PSG won their first Champions League title—tonight’s going to be a long night in Paris. Not much sleep, I guess. But it’s a fun night to be here.”
