Djokovic unsure about future after early French Open exit to teenager

Novak Djokovic is unsure if he will return to the French Open after a surprising third-round defeat to 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca. The Serbian star, seeded third, struggled throughout the five-hour match, ultimately losing in five sets. This marks his earliest exit from the French Open since 2009.

“

I don't know.

When asked about a potential return next year, Djokovic, who celebrated his 39th birthday last week, stated, "I don't know." His early departure comes after top seeds Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton were also eliminated, and world number two Carlos Alcaraz withdrew. Djokovic had been considered a strong favorite to win the tournament, which he has won three times previously.

“

I don't care. I don't care. I'll stop you right there. No. I lost in the third round. Let's just talk about something else.

Djokovic declined to reflect on what might have been, saying, "I don't care. I don't care. I'll stop you right there. No. I lost in the third round. Let's just talk about something else." He did, however, praise Fonseca's performance, acknowledging the young player's deserving victory and "incredible match."

“

I congratulated him and told him that he deserved to win and played an absolutely incredible match, and that he should be proud of himself.

"The level of tennis he has shown has generated a lot of attention around him, and I think we have all seen today why there is so much excitement around him. The level was fantastic," Djokovic added. The Serbian player holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, making him the most successful male player in Grand Slam history. In March, he indicated no immediate plans to retire as long as he enjoyed playing and could compete with the world's best.

“

The level of tennis he has shown has generated a lot of attention around him, and I think we have all seen today why there is so much excitement around him. The level was fantastic.