Paris, 30 May (H.S.): The string of upsets continued at the French Open 2026. Novak Djokovic, the tennis great seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, saw those hopes end on Friday when 19-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca ousted him in the third round in a thrilling five-set battle, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.

Fonseca made history with the victory after nearly five hours on court. He became the first teenage player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam match, instantly establishing himself as a leading contender for the future.

Djokovic’s defeat means the 39-year-old Serbian must wait longer to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 25 Grand Slam titles. Coming a day after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s exit, the result further opens up the title race in Paris.

An emotional Fonseca said after the match, “To be honest, I didn’t think I could win this match. I just wanted to go out and enjoy playing. It’s an honour to play against a great like Djokovic. I’m extremely happy.”

He added, “I tried to hit every ball with full force. Djokovic rarely makes mistakes and his fitness is incredible. Near the end he even looked fitter than me.”

Fonseca dedicated the historic win to his mother, who was celebrating her birthday that day and was present in the stands.

Djokovic’s dominance in the opening sets

Djokovic, who turned 39 just a week ago, began the match superbly. He won five of the first six games to put early pressure on the young opponent. With a superb lob, powerful forehands and excellent drop shots he claimed the first set.

Fonseca fought in the second set as well, but after surrendering his serve in the fifth game Djokovic strengthened his advantage and took the set to go up 2-0.

Down two sets, Fonseca refused to concede. He mounted an aggressive comeback in the third set and took it.

He continued his excellent play in the fourth set, securing an early break and maintaining aggressive shot-making to level the match at two sets apiece.

In the decisive fifth set Djokovic led 3-1, but Fonseca displayed patience and belief to fight back. After the score was tied 5-5, he earned a crucial break to go up 6-5 and then served three consecutive aces to close out the match.

Smiling, Fonseca said, “I still can’t believe I served three aces in a row at the end. I’ve never done that before. At that moment I felt like John Isner.”

French Open 2026 will crown a new men’s singles champion. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was unable to play due to a wrist injury, and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and now Novak Djokovic have also been eliminated.

Fonseca will face the winner of the match between Tommy Paul and Casper Ruud in the next round.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar