Day 7 of the 2024 French Open: Djokovic vs. Musetti, Sabalenka vs. Badosa

With 19 matches set for a busy middle Saturday, the French Open third round is expected to conclude weather permitting.

At night, Novak Djokovic will return to action against the gifted Lorenzo Musetti of Italy. Djokovic has a 4-1 lead, yet three years prior, Musetti had a two-set lead in the fourth round.

“I always have that kind of conviction and belief that I can win a slam,” stated Djokovic. “I’m still competing at this level because of that. I’m here for that reason. If I didn’t think I had what it takes to make it all the way to the championship match, I wouldn’t really be playing professional tennis at this age or competing at the slams.

Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev will be strong favorites when they return. In the all-important forehand match-up, Tomas Martin Etcheverry and two-time finalist Casper Ruud battle. The Argentine is behind Ruud 2-0.

When addressing Tomas Machac, Medvedev stated, “I don’t think I fear anyone, to be honest.” You worry that when the other player puts everything on the line, they will have an opportunity to defeat you. Right now, his playing is excellent.

“He’s climbing the standings, playing with aggression, striking the ball well, and winning well. Because it was the final week, there is a lot of confidence.

American players Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz are on the court with Holger Rune.

Aryna Sabalenka challenges her best friend Paula Badosa for the ladies. In their series, Sabalenka is ahead 4-2.

“I love her the most. I adore her a great deal. Sabalenka praised Badosa, saying, “I love to watch her play, and she’s really a great fighter, so it’s always great matches.”

“I would argue that playing your friend—your truly best friend—while on tour is never easy. Although it’s never easy, we know how to handle that. We are skilled at keeping life and court apart.

“Therefore, the conflict with her is always great. Playing against her is always fun for me. We may therefore safely separate things, sort of.

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]