In a stunning upset at the French Open, Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca defeated Novak Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a third-round match that lasted nearly five hours. The victory ends Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and marks the first time a teen has beaten the Serbian legend in a major tournament.
Djokovic, who turns 40 next week, started strong, taking the first two sets and appearing to control the match on Court Philippe Chatrier. But Fonseca, ranked outside the top 100, rallied with fierce ball-striking and composure beyond his years. He broke Djokovic early in the fourth set to level the match, then came back from 3-1 down in the fifth to win the final four games, sealing the win with three consecutive aces.
"I actually didn't believe I could win the match," Fonseca said. "What an idol we have. I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could." He dedicated the win to his mother, who celebrated her birthday in the stands.
Djokovic praised his opponent: "He deserved to win. He found incredible shots at crucial moments. It was just amazing from his side."
The win opens up the draw in Paris following Jannik Sinner's earlier exit. Fonseca next faces either Tommy Paul or Casper Ruud.