Novak Djokovic is on the verge of equaling Roger Federer's record for Grand Slam match wins as he prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open on Saturday. With a victory, Djokovic, who is the defending champion and a three-time Roland Garros winner, will match Federer's 369 Grand Slam victories.

Djokovic has a favorable record against Musetti, having won four out of their five encounters. However, their most notable match at the French Open in 2021 saw Musetti take the first two sets before retiring injured in the deciding set. Reflecting on his career and aspirations, the 37-year-old Djokovic stated, "There is always that kind of conviction and belief inside of me I can win a Slam. That's the reason why I'm still competing at this level."

Despite a rocky start to the season, where Djokovic did not win a title or reach a final for the first time since 2018, he has shown strong form in Paris, winning his first two matches without dropping a set. His latest victory over Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena included 43 winners and a dominant scoreline.

German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, a semi-finalist at Roland Garros in the last three years, started his campaign by defeating 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the first round. Zverev, who faces Dutch 26th seed Tallon Griekspoor next, acknowledged the significance of his victory over Nadal but stressed the need to stay focused on the tournament ahead.

Casper Ruud, the seventh seed and runner-up in the last two French Opens, survived a five-set second-round match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Ruud will now face Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who advanced after his opponent, Arthur Rinderknech, retired due to injury.

In the women's tournament, second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka will face her close friend Paula Badosa in the third round. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, has consistently reached at least the third round in her past 14 Grand Slam appearances. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who made the third round for a second consecutive year, will play Peyton Stearns of the United States as she aims to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the third time.