2024 French Open Day 7: Djokovic Faces Musetti, Sabalenka v Badosa
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Weather permitting, the French Open third round will hope to finish with 19 matches scheduled for a big middle Saturday.
Novak Djokovic is back on at night against the Italian talent Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic leads 4-1 but three years ago in the fourth round Musetti leads by two sets.
“There is always that kind of conviction and belief inside of me I can win a slam,” Djokovic said. “That’s the reason why I’m still competing at this level. That’s why I’m here. At this age I wouldn’t really be competing at the slams and continuing to play professional tennis if I didn’t believe that I possess quality to go all the way to the title match.”
Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev return and will be big favorites. Two-time finalist Casper Ruud collides with Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the all-big forehand match-up. Ruud leads the Argentine 2-0.
I don’t think I fear anyone, to be honest,” Medvedev said of taking on Tomas Machac. “What you fear is that the guy is going to play everything on the line, and that’s when they can beat you. He’s playing good at the moment.
“He’s going up the rankings, playing aggressive, hitting the ball well, having good victories. I mean, final last week, so a lot of confidence.”
Holger Rune and Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are also on court.
For the women, Aryna Sabalenka takes on her BFF Paula Badosa. Sabalenka leads in their series 4-2.
“She’s my favorite. I love her so much. I love to see her play, and she’s really a great fighter, so it’s always great matches,” Sabalenka said of Badosa.
“It’s always tough to play your friend, your really best friend on tour, I would say. It’s always tough, but we know how to manage that. We know how to separate court and life.
“So it’s always great battle, great fight against her. I always enjoy playing against her. So we kind of, like — we’re good to separate things.”
Elena Rybakina opens Chatrier against Belgian veteran Elise Mertens. Madison Keys collides with Emma Navarro for a third time in an all-American showdown.
SATURDAY FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE
Court Philippe-CHATRIER – Début à 12h00
Elise MERTENS (BEL)[25] contre Elena RYBAKINA (KAZ)[4]
Paula BADOSA (ESP) contre Aryna SABALENKA (—)[2]
Alexander ZVEREV (GER)[4] contre Tallon GRIEKSPOOR (NED)[26]
Pas avant 20h15
Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)[1] contre Lorenzo MUSETTI (ITA)[30]
Court Suzanne-LENGLEN – Début à 11h00
Varvara GRACHEVA (FRA) contre Irina-Camelia BEGU (ROU)
Pas avant 12h30 (fin de partie 4/5)
Ben SHELTON (USA)[15] contre Felix AUGER-ALIASSIME (CAN)[21]
Tomas MACHAC (CZE) contre Daniil MEDVEDEV (—)[5]
Madison KEYS (USA)[14] contre Emma NAVARRO (USA)[22]
Pas avant 17h00
Tomas Martin ETCHEVERRY (ARG)[28] contre Casper RUUD (NOR)[7]
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