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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal reach career milestones at French Open

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal each added to their impressive resumes Thursday at Roland Garros.

Djokovic became just the seventh man to record 50 French Open wins, while Nadal earned his 200th victory at a Grand Slam event.

Djokovic overcame 42 unforced errors to down Belgium’s Steve Darcis and join Nadal, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Guillermo Vilas, Ivan Lendl and Nicola Pietrangeli.

The world No. 1 is hoping to join another exclusive club next Sunday. A Roland Garros title would give Djokovic a career Grand Slam, something only seven other men have achieved. Djokovic has made it to the final three out of the past four years, but has continually come up empty.

Meanwhile, Nadal’s triumph over Facundo Bagnis puts him eighth on the list of career wins at Grand Slams. Djokovic is fifth on that list with 216 career victories. Federer, who pulled out of his first Grand Slam event since 1999, leads the pack with 302 wins.

Nadal is aiming to become the first man in the Open era to achieve 10 titles at the same Slam. Despite a 72-2 French Open record, Nadal is an underdog at this year’s tournament. He had a rough 2015, only winning one title and failing to advance past the quarterfinals at any Slam event.

Next up for Djokovic in the Round of 32 is No. 66 Aljaz Bedene. Nadal will take on fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers.