AFCON 2025
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca produced one of the biggest upsets of the French Open after knocking out Serbian great Novak Djokovic in a dramatic five-set thriller on Friday.
The 19-year-old battled back from two sets down to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that lasted four hours and 53 minutes at Roland Garros.
Fonseca’s remarkable comeback ended Djokovic’s latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and secured the Brazilian a place in the fourth round of a major tournament for the first time in his career.
The 28th seed had also recovered from two sets down in his previous match, continuing his impressive run in Paris.
Speaking after the victory, Fonseca admitted he never truly believed a comeback was possible after falling behind early in the contest.
“I actually didn’t,” Fonseca said when asked how he maintained belief during the match.
“I just kept playing. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was stepping on court with him for the first time.
“I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic, he does not miss.”
Fonseca will now face either two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul in the round of 16.
Djokovic’s defeat came just a day after world number one and tournament favourite Jannik Sinner suffered a shock elimination, leaving the men’s draw wide open.
The exits of Djokovic and Sinner mean the French Open will crown a first-time men’s Grand Slam champion this year, ending a streak of nine consecutive majors won by Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
