World number two Rafael Nadal headed to the French Open looking for a record seventh title, a feat accomplished by no one thus far.
The six-times champion Nadal was given a smooth-looking path to the French Open final while world number one Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer looked set for a possible semi-final clash in the other half of the draw.
Nadal, who is the favorite on clay, was his usual, down-to-earth self, saying:
"I don't predict the future, no. I'm going day by day and Novak is doing a fantastic season, Roger is doing a great season too. Andy Murray probably will be there too. And David Ferrer, Berdych they are doing great. So we don't have to stop the tennis at a few players. There are some fantastic players around and they are doing great and everyone will have his chance."
There are other milestones up for grabs. Djokovic hopes to become the first man in 43 years to win the four major titles in a row and the Swiss Federer could snatch a record 17th grand-slam crown on the Paris clay.
Djokovic believes the goal of a career grand-slam is spurring him on.
"I wouldn't say it's pressure, I think it puts an extra motivation for me because I have the opportunity that not many tennis players had in their careers and I will try to use the fact that I'm at the peak of my form, peak of my career at this moment. And deliver my best game during these two weeks," he said.
Roger Federer believes Djokovic, if he can win the tournament, will have achieved a great deal. And he was confident of his own form.
"Rafa was I think the defending champion too last year so it's basically the same situation for me. And I played an amazing tournament last year, I came really close and I just have to try and repeat what I did last year. But this year has been better for me, I've had a really good start to the season," Federer said.
The Roger vs Rafa duel has turned into a three-way rivalry with Djokovic taking over as world number one. What now stands between Djokovic and greatness is the Spaniard's dominance on clay.
Others expected to put up a tough fight are Britain's Andy Murray and France's Jo-Wilfrid Tsonga.
"I feel good. Always coming into the slams there's a lot of excitement and there's also pressure as you get closer to the event. But normally that helps me play better when I feel like I'm under pressure a little bit so I'm looking forward to it," said the Briton.
Tsonga, who will be the crowds' favourite, is hoping to give the French something to cheer about.
"You know for me it's always positive pressure to have the support of all the crowd. It's really nice and I hope I will do well for them," Tsonga said.
The French Open begins in Paris on Sunday.
Reuters