PARIS/STARNBERG, May 29, 2026
Joao Fonseca embraced the big stage at Roland Garros in spectacular fashion on Friday evening, as the Brazilian teenager produced a stunning comeback from two sets down to defeat 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
The 19-year-old triumphed 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in one of the standout matches of the tournament so far at this year’s French Open, sending another leading title contender crashing out just a day after Jannik Sinner’s surprise defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Fonseca’s victory, sealed after four hours and 53 minutes, further opened up one of the most unpredictable Grand Slam draws in recent memory.
It was Fonseca’s second consecutive five-set win, and in both matches he has come back from two sets to love down.
The moment 🎥#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/IZDmJ8hnfw
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2026
“I actually didn’t believe I could win the match, I just played and enjoyed being in 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 am very happy,” said Fonseca, who became the youngest player ever to defeat Novak Djokovic at a Grand Slam.
“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could, I mean Djokovic doesn’t miss and we still think he’s 20. At the end of the match he was more fit than me which is crazy and when the day was getting darker I felt much slower. In the beginning I was struggling with the heat and not feeling good.
“I just believed I could do aces, it was crazy. I have never done that before I am super happy that I could finish like this.”
The men’s draw has already been blown wide open following the early exit of Jannik Sinner. With Carlos Alcaraz absent from the tournament and Novak Djokovic also out, the question now is who will step up to seize their opportunity for Grand Slam glory.
One thing is certain: a new men’s singles Grand Slam champion will be crowned next Sunday.
