Djokovic Exits French Open After Loss to Rising Brazilian Star Fonseca

Novak Djokovic's run at Roland Garros has come to an end.

The 39-year-old fourth-ranked tennis star fell to 19-year-old Brazilian prospect Joao Fonseca during Friday's third-round matchup at the 2026 French Open in Paris. Fonseca, ranked 30th globally, claimed victory with a 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 scoreline in the Men's Singles competition on Day Six of the tournament.

The upset marks another significant turn in this year's championship, following World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's unexpected elimination the previous day. The 24-year-old top seed lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Thursday, leaving no current men's Grand Slam champions in the draw.

Fonseca reflected on his breakthrough performance, describing the experience of facing Djokovic as memorable. "I just enjoyed being on court and what a pleasure it was. It's my first stepping on court against him. I was just trying to hit the ball as fast I could," the teenager said via ESPN. "Djokovic don't miss, we still think he's 20. At the end of the match I think he was more fit than me, that's crazy."

The Brazilian also offered a lighthearted observation about his serving display, quipping that he "felt like [big server] John Isner" during portions of the match—a performance style he noted was new territory for him.

The loss comes months after Carlos Alcaraz captured the Australian Open title in February, defeating Djokovic in a four-set final at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.