Before his matchup with Novak Djokovic in the 2023 French Open, Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas says, “It’s 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 event 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, setting up a first-ever matchup with 22-time major winner Djokovic.

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

Varillas is unfazed by Djokovic, who is attempting to make it to the French Open’s last eight for the 14th straight year and has not yet dropped a set in the 2023 competition.

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

The 27-year-old has mostly competed on the lesser circuits of tennis, winning five ITF Futures championships and five Challenger tournaments of lower caliber.

Varillas attributes his late success to his parents, who are now seeing 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,” he said.

I continued playing tennis and soccer until I was 15 or 16. I enjoyed both sports. I persisted because I was better at tennis, and now here I am.

Before entering at Roland Garros, Varillas had won just over $800,000 in career prize money, but he is now entitled to a further 240,000 euros ($257,000) even if he loses against Djokovic on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the event that he pulls off one of the greatest upsets in recent French Open history, he would increase that total by another 160,000 euros.

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 inspire kids back home to pursue a tennis career.

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

“You can commit yourself to this professionally if you work hard, persevere, and believe in yourself.

“I believe it can be a good incentive for the kids to pursue their dream of becoming professional tennis players.”

With win, Varillas would move up into the top 50 in the world.