Djokovic’s French Open Run Ends with Defeat to Teen Fonseca

In an unexpected turn of events at the French Open, Novak Djokovic, aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title, was eliminated by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round. The match concluded with scores of 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 under hot conditions reaching 33 degrees C (91 F).

Djokovic, a three-time champion at Roland Garros, faced exhaustion during the fifth set but continued to fight. His departure leaves the men’s draw wide open after Jannik Sinner’s earlier exit. Djokovic expressed his disappointment: “I was barely standing on my legs toward the end of the match.”

Competing against Fonseca for the first time, Djokovic initially showcased his renowned defense, hitting impressive winners and delicate drop shots to seize the first two sets. “I was playing good tennis, very good tennis,” Djokovic remarked. Despite this, Fonseca showed determination, leveling the match on sets.

In a decisive final game, Djokovic had a chance to break for 6-6 but was unable to stop Fonseca’s momentum, who sealed the match with three consecutive aces. This victory marked Fonseca as the first teenager to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam.

“I just enjoyed being on court and what a pleasure it was. It’s my first stepping on court against him,” Fonseca said. “I was just trying to hit the ball as fast I could. Djokovic doesn’t miss, we still think he’s 20. At the end of the match I think he was more fit than me, that’s crazy.”

The young player compared his ace flurry to John Isner, joking about his unexpected performance. Fonseca also took a moment to wish his mother a happy birthday and thanked Brazilian supporters in the audience.

Coming to Roland Garros, Djokovic faced uncertainties due to a shoulder injury after his Australian Open loss to Carlos Alcaraz. His preparation for the clay court was limited to one match. Despite tough hours in each of his previous rounds, Djokovic hoped for another title addition alongside his 2016, 2021, and 2023 victories, especially after Sinner’s exit.

However, the intense heat that troubled Sinner also affected Djokovic. He resorted to ice packs during changeovers. Still, Djokovic appeared in control, especially after clinching the second set with a forehand volley.

Fonseca, equipped with a strong forehand, broke early in the third set and maintained his lead. In the final set, Djokovic made efforts to regain his strength against the significantly younger Fonseca, but fatigue was evident. He leaned on the advertising boards, draped a towel over his head, and appeared overwhelmed.

After the match, Djokovic praised Fonseca: “I told him (after the match) that he deserved to win and he should be proud of himself. We’ve all seen today why there is hype around him. Without a doubt, he was a better player in important moments. Found incredible shots.”

Djokovic’s future participation in the French Open remains uncertain, although he conveyed such sentiments after a prior semifinal loss to Sinner.

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