Fonseca stuns Djokovic at French Open, ending quest for 25th Slam
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca upset Novak Djokovic in the French Open third round.
- Fonseca rallied from two sets down, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a four-hour, 53-minute match.
- Djokovic's exit, following Jannik Sinner's, means a first-time men's Grand Slam champion will be crowned at this year's French Open.
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca stunned Novak Djokovic in the French Open third round on Friday, ending the Serbian great's pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title. The 19-year-old Fonseca, seeded 28th, achieved a career-first by reaching the last 16 of a major tournament.
Fonseca's victory came after he rallied from two sets down for the second consecutive match. He defeated Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a grueling four-hour and 53-minute contest. Fonseca will next face either Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul.
I actually didnโt. I just kept playing. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was stepping on court with him (Djokovic) for the first time.
Reflecting on his comeback, Fonseca admitted he didn't consciously maintain belief. "I just kept playing. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was stepping on court with him for the first time," he said. "I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic, he does not miss."
Djokovic's unexpected departure follows the earlier elimination of world number one Jannik Sinner. This marks the first time in nine majors that neither Sinner nor Carlos Alcaraz will contest the final, guaranteeing a first-time men's Grand Slam champion at this year's French Open.
I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic, he does not miss.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.