‘It’s 50-50’, says Varillas ahead of Djokovic clash

Juan Pablo Varillas insisted all tennis matches are “50-50” as he prepares to become the first Peruvian to play in the last 16 of a Grand Slam tournament since 1994 against Novak Djokovic at the French Open on Sunday. The world number 94 had never won a match at a Slam before reeling off three […]

Juan Pablo Varillas insisted all tennis matches are “50-50” as he prepares to become the first Peruvian to play in the last 16 of a Grand Slam tournament since 1994 against Novak Djokovic at the French Open on Sunday.

The world number 94 had never won a match at a Slam before reeling off three successive five-set victories at Roland Garros to tee up a first-ever meeting with 22-time major champion Djokovic.

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“When you enter the court the options are 50-50, it’s one against one,” said Varillas after his dramatic victory over Polish 13th seed Hubert Hurkacz on Friday. “I’ll try to go and win.”