is not going to last too much longer. I just want to have this experience in my life.” Fonseca has already proven his mettle against other top players, winning against Rublev in straight sets last year and delivering big shots at Indian Wells earlier this year.
The questions are: will Fonseca have the nerve and the nous to beat Djokovic? And will Djokovic have the reserves of strength and stamina to deal with potentially a five-set slugfest?
All will be revealed on Friday afternoon. Court Philippe-Chatrier, first match, Iga Swiatek (3) vs Magda Linette.
Swiatek and Linette: A First-Time Clash
A first-time clash between two Poles at Roland-Garros is a rarity in the Open era. Iga Swiatek and Magda Linette have played each other twice before, with honours even. In 2023, Swiatek allowed her countrywoman a miserly two games.
But in Miami this March, Linette got her revenge, coming from behind to win.
Linette is flying high at the moment and after upsets of the past couple of days, who knows what awaits her on Friday? “That definitely gives me some more calmness when I’m losing the first set,” she said. “I’m really glad that I’m staying composed.” Linette will face Jelena Ostapenko in the next round, a player who has beaten Swiatek six times in a row.
On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Andrey Rublev (11) vs Nuno Borges. Rublev is working on adding variety to his game: “When the score is tight, of course in the past I would only hit forehand,” he said. “Now sometimes when even the score is tight, I start to do sometimes dropshots.” Borges had better keep his wits about him.
And finally, Mirra Andreeva (8) vs Marie Bouzkova (27). Andreeva plays her game, her way; she owns up to any mistakes and enjoys any successes. “I never set any expectations on myself,” she said. “But obviously every tournament that I play, I play to win.” So far this year, she has done just that, winning the title in Linz and reaching the final in Madrid.
The day is here; the matches are set.
Will history be made or will it continue as usual? Stay tuned for Friday’s action on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
