French Open: 19-year-old stuns Djokovic, becomes first teenager to beat Serbian legend at Grand Slam
Paris, May 30
In yet another shocking upset at the French Open, the 19-year-old Joao Fonseca outclassed 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, becoming the first-ever teenager to beat the Serbian icon at a major event.
Fonseca made a sensational comeback from being two sets down, bringing down the curtains to Djokovic's campaign by 6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, just hours after Jannik Sinner, the world number one, was stunned by Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Fonseca slammed the door shut on Djokovic's dream of a 25th Grand Slam title in an epic that lasted four hours and 53 minutes.
In absolute disbelief, Fonseca said after the match, as quoted by ATP's official website, "I actually did not believe I could win. I just played, I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was, and what an idol we have. It is a pleasure just stepping on the court against him. It is my first time stepping on court against him, so just thanking him, and I am very happy."
Fonseca was just five points away from what seemed an imminent loss, serving at 3-4, 15/40 in the fourth set, but the 28th seed fended off those two break points and continued the momentum to take the match into a decider.
Djokovic had moments of physical struggles, but the 39-year-old was quick to get a 3-1 lead in the final set.
But Fonseca fought and fought, getting six of the final eight points, notching a win for the ages, his second against a top-10 star after outclassing Andrey Rublev at the 2025 Australian Open.
"I was not thinking about [the conditions changing]," Fonseca said. "I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean, Djokovic, he just does not miss. We still think he is 20. At the end of the match, I think he was more fit than me, it is crazy."
"But I felt as the day was getting darker, it was a bit slower, and for me, that was better because I could produce a little bit more power for sure. In the beginning, I was struggling a little bit with the heat, because I touched the ball and it just went. Then after, I felt better,: he continued.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a match! Fonseca's comeback from 2 sets down shows incredible mental strength. Tennis is changing, and the young guns are ready to take over. But can we just appreciate Djokovic's sportsmanship? He always handles defeat with grace. Next gen is here! 🎾
As a lifelong Djokovic fan, this hurts. But you have to hand it to Fonseca - the kid played out of his skin. Saving break points when you're 2 sets down? That's champion mentality. Hopefully Novak has one more Grand Slam left in him.
Honestly, I feel Fonseca's post-match interview was the best part. He was so humble and grateful, calling Djokovic an 'idol'. That's the kind of respect we need in sports. But was it just me, or did the French Open crowd completely turn against Novak? Bit unfair, no?
Another day, another upset at Roland Garros. First Sinner, then Djokovic? Crazy day for tennis. Fonseca's power game is something else, especially in the fading light. But let's be real - Djokovic's physical struggles are showing his age. Time waits for no one, even the GOAT. 🐐
I'm just here for the drama. 😂 4 hours 53 minutes, comeback from 2 sets down, and a teenager making history? This is why I love tennis. Fonseca has a bright future ahead - but let's see if he can handle the pressure of being a top seed now
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