Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title ended on Friday when Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca defeated him in the third round of the French Open. The 39-year-old Serbian, a three-time champion at Roland Garros, was defeated with scores of 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. During the match, temperatures soared to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit).
Djokovic appeared fatigued in the final set but continued to compete. His departure from the tournament opens up the men’s draw, especially after Jannik Sinner’s exit in the second round. Djokovic commented, “Tough one for me to lose. I was barely standing on my legs toward the end of the match.”
Facing Fonseca for the first time, Djokovic combined his known defensive skills with impressive winners and drop shots, securing the first two sets. “I was playing good tennis, very good tennis. Considering the circumstances, my level was very good,” Djokovic noted.
However, Fonseca remained determined, leveling the match by winning the next two sets. In the decisive game, Djokovic held a break point at 6-6, but Fonseca delivered three aces to close the match. Fonseca became the first teenager to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam event.
“I just enjoyed being on court and what a pleasure it was. It’s my first time facing him,” Fonseca expressed. “I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic doesn’t miss, we still think he’s 20. At the end, he seemed fitter than me, which is incredible.” Fonseca humorously added, “I felt like John Isner with those aces. I’ve never done this before.” He also wished his mother a happy birthday and expressed gratitude to the Brazilian supporters.
Djokovic entered Roland Garros with some uncertainty. After his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final, a shoulder issue restricted his preparation on clay courts to just one match. Despite long matches in his previous rounds, he hoped his chances for another title improved after Sinner’s exit. Yet, the intense heat contributed to his struggles, leading him to use ice packs during breaks.
Initially, Djokovic seemed in control after winning the second set with a forehand volley at the net. Fonseca, however, broke early in the third set and maintained his lead.
In the fifth set, Djokovic sought ways to regain energy against Fonseca, who is 20 years his junior, but couldn’t conceal his exhaustion. He appeared weary, resting his arms, slumping in his chair with a towel on his head, and holding his head in his hands.
Graciously accepting defeat, Djokovic stated, “I told him he deserved to win and should be proud of himself. We all saw today why there’s hype around him. He was undoubtedly better in crucial moments, finding remarkable shots.” Djokovic is uncertain whether he will compete at the French Open next year, echoing remarks he made after a previous semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner.
For more on tennis, visit AP Tennis.