Day Eight is here at the 2023 French Open and as the second week approaches on the Roland Garros courts of Paris, the schedule has been confirmed to end the opening week.
Two players who came up through the ranks and also hype together were Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti.
Alcaraz of course has made good on his potential, while for Musetti he has shown glimmers but not yet broken out.
They face off third on Court Philippe Chatrier to begin Sunday's action. They only have one head to head meeting previously with the Italian taking the spoils on the outdoor clay of Hamburg last season. Can he spring another shock here?
Before Alcaraz sees the other main contender for the men's title in Novak Djokovic.
He likely won't get the best reception from the fans following his over zealous celebration during his win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
He was also heavily booed by the crowd during his medical timeout. Next up is Juan Pablo Varillas who has never faced Djokovic before.
He has made Peruvian history by reaching this point and saw off Hubert Hurkacz last time out. So far too he has won three consecutive five set matches.
After eight days of not having a single WTA match scheduled in the night session, that streak is now over.
Albeit it feels like to many that this is only due to the outcry and backlash that the tournament has suffered due to its decision.
Iga Swiatek has spoke about not wanting to play at night during previous tournaments so likely contributes but finally Aryna Sabalenka will take centre stage.
She faces Sloane Stephens who has risen back from the doldrums and has been in superb form in recent months.
It could be the sternest test that Sabalenka faces yet with Rybakina being out seemingly clearing the way for her to be Swiatek's nearest challenger. She leads the head to head 3-0.
Svitolina, Tsitsipas and Pavlyuchenkova among players in action
Also in action are resurgent former finalist, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, she faces Elise Mertens to begin on Chatrier.
Elina Svitolina will face the first Russian who she has been open about respecting in Daria Kasatkina with the latter speaking out against the war and even thinking of changing her nationality. Will a handshake happen in this tie?
Two more Russians are also in action with Karen Khachanov facing Lorenzo Sonego and Elina Avanesyan who has been a surprise package facing Karolina Muchova.
Stefanos Tsitsipas ends the slate on Suzanne Lenglen facing Sebastian Ofner and that is your preview and schedule for Day Eight.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.