Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev in Friday action

Zverev saved a match point in a 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5 win over Damir Dzumhur on Friday.

Russian youngster Daria Kasatkina overcame a second-set blip to see off Maria Sakkari 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, while Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, a quarterfinalist in 2016, beat China’s Wang Qiang 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.

The Bosnian recovered from a break down in the fifth set – had a match point on Zverev’s serve in the 10th game of the decider – but didn’t convert as the German hit a service victor to save the match point.

The former world No.1 Novak Djokovic got past Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros while second-seeded Alexander Zverev saved a match point to progress in Paris.

“I would think that if both players were fresh I would say that Zverev has the upper hand because a best-of-five would suit him, giving him time to figure things out”, three-time French Open champion Wilander told Reuters.

Dominic Thiem is into the French Open quarterfinals for the third straight year, in what was becoming a steam-rollering of Kei Nishikori until the 19th-seeded player from Japan mounted a late fight-back.

And Wilander believes that while Zverev is the natural favourite, Thiem could make life hard for him if the match becomes a physically draining one.

It is a second five-set win in a row for the 21-year-old.

He’ll face a stiff test against the No. 20 seed Djokovic as he tries to make it past the fourth round for the first time.

Meanwhile, world number 35 Verdasco has equalled his best performance in Paris by reaching the last 16 for the seventh time in 15 appearances.

But the Bosnian, born in Sarajevo after the start of the war, learning to play on a shattered high-school court, showed fitness and guile, changing tactics and varying the pace to throw Zverev off his rhythm in the second and third sets.

Eighth seed David Goffin will resume on Saturday with a 6-7 (6) 6-3 3-2 lead against Frenchman Gael Monfils. He missed an easy forehand on his first match point, biting down on his fingers in frustration.

In the women’s draw, Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki eased past Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier 6-0, 6-3.

There was a brief smile on wildcard Parmentier’s face when she finally won three games – after losing the first 11.

Not everyone was winning this week, though – especially one of the ball boys. If you do, leave this match alone from a pre-match betting point of view, but if you feel that Zverev will be as fresh as a daisy, then Zverev at [2.56] would be a viable consideration.

Marin Cilic enjoys a 6-3 6-2 6-4 win over Steve Johnson in the French Open last 32.

Keys held steady, though, and was able to convert her second match point when Osaka double-faulted.

Wozniacki picked up her second bagel of the tournament so far.