HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Djokovic exits French Open in stunning upset

BBC Sport •
×

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title ended in the third round as 19-year-old Joao Fonseca rallied for a dramatic five-set victory. The Serb, who won the first two sets, was ultimately defeated 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 after 4 hours and 53 minutes of intense play in front of a raucous Paris crowd.

Djokovic, the only major champion remaining in the draw after Jannik Sinner's exit and Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal, will now question if his best opportunity for that elusive title has passed. The loss marked only the third time in 22 French Open appearances that the Serb failed to reach the second week at Roland Garros.

Fonseca made history as the first teenager to defeat Djokovic at a major, showcasing remarkable composure against one of tennis' greats. The 19-year-old Brazilian will next face either two-time finalist Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul in round four. His fellow countryman Rafael Jodar, also 19, has emerged as another title contender after winning 18 of 21 clay-court matches this season.