Novak Djokovic’s last 16 opponent says every match is 50/50

As he gets ready to face Novak Djokovic at the French Open on Sunday and become the first player from Peru to compete in the round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament since 1994, Juan Pablo Varillas emphasized that every tennis match is “50-50.”

Prior to sweeping three consecutive five-set triumphs at Roland Garros, the world no. 94 had never won a match at a Major before. 

Now Varillas has set up a first-ever matchup with 22-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.

Since Jaime Yzaga reached the US Open quarter-finals 29 years ago, Varillas is the only player from Peru to go to the second week of a Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic is attempting to make it to the French Open’s quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row and has not yet lost a set in his three matches to date.

“When you enter the court the options are 50-50, it’s one against one,” said Varillas in the aftermath of his dramatic victory over Polish No 13 seed Hubert Hurkacz on Friday.

“I’ll try to go and win.”

The 27-year-old has primarily competed on the feeder tours in 2023 so far, winning five ITF Futures championships and five Challenger events.

Varillas attributes his surprising success to his parents, who are currently watching him compete in a European event for the first time in Paris.

“My parents took me to these summer camps where I played a lot of sports,” Varillas said in an interview.

“I loved tennis and soccer, and I kept playing them until I was 15 or 16. I was better at tennis, so I continued, and here I am.”

Before entering at Roland Garros, Varillas had won just over $800,000 in career prize money, but he is already entitled to a $257,000 purse even if he loses against Djokovic on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the event that he pulls off one of the biggest upsets in recent French Open history, he would increase that total by another $170,000.

At a Grand Slam competition, no player has ever won four consecutive five-set matches.

Varillas, who became professional ten years ago, hopes that his accomplishments inspires kids back home in Peru to pursue a tennis career.

“It is something very positive for my country, where there are not so many professional players,” he added.

“If you work with discipline and perseverance, and if you believe in yourself, you can dedicate yourself professionally to this.

“I think it can be a good push for the children to pursue their dream of being tennis professionals.”