As 32 players in each draw get whittled down to 16, make sure you make these matches appointment viewing.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Sebastian Korda
This night-session affair on Court Phillipe-Chatrier has the potential to bring the fireworks. Alcaraz will be looking to make a statement after dropping an unexpected set against Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in the second round, but Korda doesn’t mind a big stage against a big name – he upset defending finalist Daniil Medvedev in the third round of the 2023 Australian Open en route to his best Grand Slam showing.
What’s more, his only win against Alcaraz came on clay.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa
Just call this one the ‘bestie battle.’ Good buddies Badosa, a former world No.2, and Sabalenka, the current world No.2, have gone so far as to dub themselves “soulmates,” but they’ll be putting that relationship aside when they duel for a spot in the fourth round.
A resurgent (and, more importantly after her last 12 months, seemingly fully fit) Badosa has battled through a pair of three-setters to reach this round, while Sabalenka has dropped just seven games in four sets played. Sabalenka has won four of their six meetings, including both of this year’s matches.