Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title faced an abrupt halt as Brazilian teenager João Fonseca ended his run at the French Open. In a match that stretched to four hours and 53 minutes, Fonseca overcame Djokovic in a five-set battle with scores of 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.
At 39, Djokovic might be losing critical opportunities. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury and Jannik Sinner out, the tournament seemed to favor Djokovic’s chances of breaking the Grand Slam record he shares with Margaret Court. However, on a hot Paris day, the 19-year-old Brazilian turned the tables, becoming only the second man to defeat Djokovic from two sets behind. The first was Jürgen Melzer, back in 2010, while 301 others could not pull it off.
Djokovic was left reflecting on his missed chance and dealing with physical strain. Due to a shoulder issue, he had played just once since March 12 before arriving at Roland Garros. During the match, he displayed various signs of discomfort as the day turned to night.
Despite this setback, Djokovic’s next shot isn’t far away. Alcaraz will also miss Wimbledon, scheduled to start June 29, due to his injury. Sinner announced he would require time to recuperate after a five-set defeat earlier.
Fonseca’s victory propels him into the fourth round, where he will face either Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul. Initially, Djokovic controlled the match, making Fonseca run across the court and exploiting his weaker movement with drop-shot-lob sequences. In contrast, Djokovic’s skill at the net allowed him to win quick exchanges. Yet, Fonseca adapted, eventually finding his stride and striking the crucial shots with precision.
Fonseca increased his aggression in the third set. As the match entered its third hour, Djokovic seemed to struggle physically. In the fourth set, Fonseca fended off break points, and Djokovic appeared to cramp, shaking his hand and breathing heavily. This match marked Djokovic’s longest on a clay court and the longest outside the 2023 Wimbledon final.
Youthful endurance and tactical play saw Fonseca take control. When Djokovic attempted to gain the upper hand, Fonseca matched his efforts, thrilling the Brazilian crowd with bold moves. Amid the mounting tension, Djokovic saved multiple break points, but Fonseca didn’t falter. His spirited performance, backed by the cheering crowd, intensified the pressure on Djokovic.
Forehand winners from Fonseca flew past Djokovic, pushing the Serb to a physical and mental edge. Even as Djokovic fought with moments of brilliance, Fonseca remained unfazed, ultimately securing victory. He confirmed his standing by serving aces that concluded the match, recalling a young Federer who once defeated veteran Sampras at Wimbledon.
This win was not just a milestone for Fonseca; it hinted at his potential future in the sport. Previously, Fonseca signaled his talent by defeating top players like Andrey Rublev. This victory over a legend elevates his stature, marking him as a force in tennis.