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Novak Djokovic crashed out of the French Open in an epic five-set loss against 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca.
The 39-year-old is heavy favorite to win the title alongside third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz Janic Sinar suffered a surprising defeat on Thursday – led 5-1 in the first set in their third-round encounter, but Fonseca broke back to 5-4 only for Djokovic to regain his composure and serve it out.
A tight second set was won by Djokovic 6-4, but his teenage opponent bounced back with some outstanding play to win the third 6-3.
Fonseca then went ahead with a break in the fourth and rallied for 2-0, but Djokovic survived when the Brazilian went 30-0 up and then missed two more break points at 4-4 in an epic game.
Fonseca held on to break the Serbian again at 5-5, but served out a thrilling fourth set to take things to the fifth.
Fonseca played some inspired tennis to beat Djokovic at Roland Garros
After letting an ailing Djokovic break him, Fonseca rallied from 3-1 down to win the decider 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.
The match lasted four hours and 53 minutes – the second longest at Roland Garros this year – while the temperature reached 33 degrees.
Djokovic’s loss was a huge blow, coming from two sets ahead and a day after Janic Cena was knocked out.
Djokovic’s defeat means the 39-year-old’s wait to surpass Margaret Court’s mark of 24 Grand Slam wins continues into the twilight of his career, and a further draw in Paris comes a day after Sinner’s shock exit.
Djokovic, who cut a disappointing record in his win over Frenchman Valentin Royer on Wednesday – The crowd is silenced, claiming they have ‘no respect’ and are being scolded by them – Friday shouts to a camera operator as the two set up, requesting more space at the end transition as the cameras get up close and personal.
In contrast, Fonseca was the picture of calm despite his tender years and lack of experience on the professional circuit, maintaining remarkable composure and a superb ability to hit baseline winners with both forehand and backhand en route to a stunning breakthrough.
Fonseca: I never believed I could actually win – ‘It’s crazy’
Fonseca speaking courtside:
“I actually didn’t believe I could win the match, I just played and enjoyed being on the court. What an idol we have and what a pleasure it was to step on the court against him so I thank him, I’m very happy.
“I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could, I mean Djokovic didn’t miss and we still think he’s 20. At the end of the match he was fitter than me, which is crazy, and as the day got darker I was feeling better. At the beginning I was struggling with the heat and not feeling well.
“I just believed I could ace, it was crazy. I’ve never done that before and I’m so happy to finish like that.”
Elsewhere, former quarter-finalistsAndrey Rublev Tested by Portugal’s Nuno Borges, the Russian 11th seed kept calm in the tiebreak to win 7-5 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2) in the third round.
The exciting 19-year-old Spaniard Raphael Jodar Despite digging through a five-set contest against American Alex Michelsen 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (5-7) 4-6 6-3 6-3.
The Czechs are seeded 26th Jakub Mensik The Australian bounced back from the bagel to beat eighth seed Alex de Minaur 0-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the first time.
The Dutch are number 106 in the world Jasper de Jong The Russian reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after beating 13th seed Karen Khachanov 7-5 5-7 6-2 6-7(2) 6-2.
Four-time winner Swiatek reached the last 16
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek The latter beat fellow Polish player Magda Linnet 6-4 6-4 to set up a fourth-round clash with the Ukrainian 15th seed. Marta Kostyuk.
Ukrainian 15th seed Kostyuk advanced to the fourth round with a 6-4 6-3 win over Swiss player Viktorija Golubik.
Swiatek has won their previous three matches comfortably, but Kostyuk will go into this match full of confidence.
“I’m definitely feeling different going into this match, because I think the last time I played him in Cincinnati, I lost this match before it even started, and I’m not feeling the same this time,” he said.
“I’m still the guy who’s lost to him three times, and he’s won this tournament four times. So, I want to be a favorite in this match, but I still don’t think it’s going to be like that, even though it’s a really long streak.”
“But it’s not going to ruin my day or ruin my game. I’ve never taken a set from him. I’ll be very happy to win a set in the next match. That’s how I see it, and I’m excited for this match.”
Swiatek was a bit up and down again but didn’t lose more than four games in a set after seeing Linette off.
He said of Kostyuk: “Marta is having a great season. She’s always had a good game. She’s been in the semi-finals of a couple of big tournaments before. Now she’s won Madrid. So good for her.”
Last year’s semi-finalists are Russia Mira Andreeva Reached the fourth round by defeating Czech Marie Buzkova 6-4, 6-2.
Switzerland Jill TeichmanRanked 170th in the world, the Czech stunned 10th seed Karolina Muchova 6-1 7-5 in the third round. Teichmann will face last year’s semi-finalist Russian eight seed Andreeva in the last 16.
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