Novak Djokovic extended his perfect season record to 39-0 on Wednesday when Victor Hanescu retired from their match while trailing 6-1, 6-2, 2-3.
Hanescu retired from the match because of injury, allowing Djokovic to advance to the third round of the French Open and secure his 41st straight match win since December.
"I keep on thinking only about the winning. I'm taking one match at a time," said the 24-year-old Serbian. "Really, I'm not thinking about when this streak -- this amazing streak -- will end. So I guess that's the right mental approach."
Djokovic was asked what he needs to do in order to keep his streak alive.
"Stay focused, dedicated, motivated. I am still only 24," replied Djokovic. "I have many more years to come. It's been the best five, six months of my career. And I'm very happy with the way I'm playing."
If Djokovic reaches the finals at Roland Garros, he will become the first person other than Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer to be ranked #1 in the world since 2004.
Federer beat Maxime Teixeira of France 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 to reach the third round of the event.
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"He fought hard, and afterwards he was trying to get the best score," said Federer of Teixeira. "The score was balanced for 1½ sets, but even then he fought hard."
Teixeira, 24, said that playing the 16-time Grand Slam champion was an unforgettable experience.
"I gave it all. I did what I could," Teixeira said. "To play against Roger is an incredible experience. I'll never forget it and it will be great memories."
If Federer reaches the semi-finals, there is a chance that he could face off against Djokovic, who has a lot of respect for the Swiss tennis great.
"He has had a lot of streaks and a lot of records that he's broken. I mean, look, he has won the most Grand Slams. He's the most successful tennis player ever. There is not much to say about that," said Djokovic. "I mean, it's just amazing what he has done throughout his career."
(Sources: ESPN.com)
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