Fonseca ends Djokovic’s Grand Slam bid in French Open upset
The 19-year-old rallied from two sets down to reach the fourth round for the first time, halting the Serbian’s pursuit of a record 25th major title.
Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title came to an abrupt halt at the French Open on Friday, as Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca secured a dramatic third-round victory. Fonseca, aged 19, overcame a two-set deficit to defeat the Serbian star 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a match lasting four hours and 53 minutes.
The result marks the first time a teenager has defeated Djokovic at a major tournament. Fonseca’s win extends a remarkable run of resilience, as it was the second consecutive match in which he has rallied from two sets down. The victory propels him into the last 16 of a major for the first time in his career.
Fonseca will advance to the fourth round to face either two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul. The identity of his next opponent remains pending the outcome of their respective match.
The upset occurs within a tournament characterised by significant shifts in the top seeds. World number one Jannik Sinner was eliminated in the second round by Juan Manuel Cerundolo after collapsing due to heat exhaustion. Sinner, who had won 30 consecutive matches, led 5-1 in the third set before the incident ended his campaign.
Other young talents are also making their mark on the draw. Fellow 19-year-old Rafael Jodar has advanced to the second week of the tournament, having won 18 of his 21 clay-court matches in 2026. Sinner’s exit was particularly notable given his pre-tournament status as the -275 favourite, the second-shortest odds at a Grand Slam since at least 1990.
