Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam ended in the third round of the French Open, where 19‑year‑old João Fonseca rallied from two sets down to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. Sweltering 33°C conditions and lingering fatigue saw the 39‑year‑old struggle to finish the match, handing the Brazilian a historic victory.

Djokovic entered Roland Garros after a shoulder‑related setback at the Australian Open and a limited clay‑court build‑up. He fought back from a two‑set deficit, displaying his trademark defense and drop shots, but Fonseca's powerful forehand and a trio of aces on match point sealed the upset. The win makes Fonseca the first teenager to defeat Djokovic at a major.

The loss leaves the men’s draw wide open, especially after Jannik Sinner’s earlier exit. Djokovic admitted he felt “barely standing on his legs” and hinted he may skip next year’s French Open. Fonseca celebrated his breakthrough, thanking his mother’s birthday crowd and noting the match felt like channeling John Isner’s serve power.