Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a stunning five-set defeat to 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open on Friday. The match, which lasted just over five hours, was a grueling battle that saw Djokovic take the first two sets before Fonseca mounted a remarkable comeback to win 4-6, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4, 10-8. The loss marks Djokovic's earliest exit at Roland Garros since 2017.
Djokovic, playing his first Grand Slam since recovering from a three-month injury layoff, showed signs of rust and frustration throughout the match. Despite winning the first two sets, his level dropped significantly in the third and fourth sets as Fonseca, ranked 78th in the world, began to dictate play with his powerful groundstrokes and relentless movement. The fifth set was a tense affair, with Djokovic saving two match points before eventually falling to the young Brazilian.
The match was not without controversy. During a changeover, Djokovic had an agitated exchange with a cameraman who had moved uncomfortably close to his face. Djokovic was captured on video saying, “Can you come more in my face? For God’s sake, make some space.” The clip quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate among fans and commentators about the increasing intrusion of media in sports.
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Fonseca's performance but also discussing his own struggles. “I think I was playing good tennis, really good level, considering I was injured for three months and trying to come back and going pretty much straight into Grand Slam on this surface that is very demanding and, for me, takes more time to get used to,” Djokovic said. He added that he was disappointed with the loss but proud of his effort given the circumstances.
When a reporter asked Djokovic whether he had started dreaming about winning his 25th Grand Slam title after top-ranked Jannik Sinner was eliminated earlier in the week, Djokovic interrupted and dismissed the notion. “I’ll stop you right there,” he said. “I just lost [in the] third round. Let’s just talk about something else. Thank you.”
Djokovic's exit, combined with Sinner's surprising loss and Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal due to a wrist injury, means that a new Grand Slam champion will be crowned at Roland Garros on June 7. The tournament is now wide open, with players like Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud among the favorites. For Fonseca, the victory is the biggest of his young career. The Brazilian, who turned professional in 2023, has drawn comparisons to his countryman and former world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten. His powerful forehand and aggressive baseline style have made him a fan favorite at this year's tournament.
Djokovic's loss is a significant moment in the 2026 tennis season. The 37-year-old Serb had been on a mission to add to his record Grand Slam tally, but injuries have hampered his form. He missed the Australian Open earlier this year due to a hamstring issue and has not reached a final since winning the US Open in 2025. His early exit in Paris will undoubtedly raise questions about his future in the sport, but Djokovic has repeatedly stated that he has no plans to retire.
The French Open has been defined by upsets this year. Sinner, the world No. 1, was defeated by Alexander Bublik in the second round. Alcaraz, the defending champion, withdrew before the tournament began. And now Djokovic, the pre-tournament favorite, has been eliminated. The women's draw has also seen its share of surprises, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff advancing while other top seeds have fallen. The tournament is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
For Djokovic, the path forward will involve rest and recovery. He has indicated that he will take some time off before preparing for the grass-court season, which culminates at Wimbledon. Despite the disappointing loss, Djokovic remains one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks have been hallmarks of his career. Whether he can regain his form and add to his Grand Slam collection remains to be seen.
Source: Yahoo Sports News