Adedokun Waliyu 
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca produced a major upset at the French Open by defeating Novak Djokovic in the third round, ending the Serbian star’s latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam title.
The 19-year-old fought back from two sets down to defeat Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after four hours and 53 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.
Fonseca, seeded 28th, has now reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
He will next face either Norway’s Casper Ruud or American Tommy Paul.
Speaking after the match, Fonseca admitted he struggled mentally after falling behind early.
“I actually didn’t,” he said when asked how he kept believing.
“I just kept playing. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was stepping on court with him for the first time.
“I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic, he does not miss.”
Djokovic’s defeat came just one day after world number one Jannik Sinner was also knocked out of the tournament.
The exits of both stars mean this year’s French Open will produce a first-time men’s Grand Slam champion, ending a streak of nine consecutive major titles won by either Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic praised the young Brazilian after the match.
“What an incredible match to be part of,” Djokovic said.
“Huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match. Without a doubt he was the better player in crucial moments.”
The Serbian legend has remained on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning the 2023 US Open.
“You just have to say well done and congratulate him. He played lights-out tennis,” Djokovic added.
“I don’t think I’ve done much wrong with my game. He was just better.”
With Djokovic and Sinner out, second seed Alexander Zverev is now among the favourites remaining in the men’s draw.
Swiatek, Andreeva Advance
In the women’s competition, four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the last 16 with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow Pole Magda Linette.
Swiatek recovered after trailing 2-0 early in the match and later secured victory to set up a clash with Marta Kostyuk.
Kostyuk continued her strong clay-court form by defeating Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic 6-4, 6-3.
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva also progressed comfortably with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Czech player Marie Bouzkova.
The eighth seed will next face Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann, who defeated former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova.
