Novak Djokovic Falls To Brazilian Youngster In French Open Elimination

 

Novak Djokovic's search for his first Grand Slam since 2023 is not yet over after he was eliminated from the French Open by an unsuspecting Brazilian opponent, Joao Fonesca, in a five-set showdown. 

Fonseca delivered a blistering rally from the third set,  winning three straight sets to win a five-setter match by 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 that lasted for almost five hours. The victory made Fonseca the youngest player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam event.

"I actually didn't believe I could win the match," Fonseca related after 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 - it was my first time - so I thank him, I am very happy."

The pair had not met before in a major event. Notwithstanding, Fonseca was up to the task. The fourth was his turning point. He saved a crucial break point at 3-4 to level and claimed his fourth break at 5-5 to win the set. 

He broke Djokovic again at 5-5 in the decider, setting him off to win on his serve, an intriguing five-setter. In total, he won six break points against Djokovic, who claimed five breaks in 15 advantages apiece. 

Fonseca, 19, in his previous match, battled through a five-setter against Dino Prizmic, making his appearance in the fourth round the farthest he has reached in a Grand Slam, since his debut at the last edition of the French Open. 

He will face Casper Ruud in the next round. The latter defeated American opponent Tommy Paul in five sets, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-5 to reach the fourth round.