PARIS — Although the temperature is expected to drop today, the pressure will mount as the French Open enters its second week with thinned fields and the ultimate prize almost in sight.

The week-long heatwave helped wreak havoc in the men’s draw. After the elimination of a wilting Jannik Sinner and a fading Novak Djokovic in five-setters on consecutive evenings, not a single Grand Slam singles winner is still standing.

The throne is vacant ahead of next Sunday’s men’s final when a new sun-proof king of clay will be crowned.

For the two men who have reached finals at majors, three-time losers Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, the trick will be to focus on today’s opponent.

“It’s such an open tournament, which is kind of refreshing, I guess, for everyone, and to see that there will be a new Slam champion in about a week or so. I think every player is aware of it,” said Ruud in the early hours of this morning after coming from two sets down as the evening cooled to beat American Tommy Paul.

“Obviously Novak and Jannik was one of the two highest favourites,” the Norwegian added.

“It will be interesting to see where we are in a week’s time. I’m going to try to use the experiences that I’ve had of reaching far in Slams to my advantage and see where that takes me, but you focus one match at a time.”

Ruud’s next match is against Djokovic’s teenage conqueror Joao Fonseca, who the 15th seed called a “special talent”.

For the 19-year-old Brazilian this is uncharted territory.

“That was my first fourth round in my career,” he said after his win.

“I’m just thinking about my next match,” he insisted. While too discreet to name himself a challenger, he nonetheless hinted he might be dreaming of bigger things.