João Fonseca secured the biggest win of his career after recovering from a two-set deficit to upset Novak Djokovic. With the win, the teenager reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in his career.
Fonseca was visibly emotional after the monumental victory. He shared his raw feelings during his on-court interview.
João Fonseca Knocks Novak Djokovic Out of French Open
Fonseca, seeded 28th at the tournament, opened his campaign with a 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-2 win against French local Luka Pavlovic. In his second-round match against Dino Prižmić, he suffered a scare as the Croatian raced to a two-set lead. Despite the slow start, Fonseca found his way back into the match and dominated the next three sets to stage a 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 comeback.
He produced a similar performance against Djokovic on Friday, unfazed by the tennis legend’s aura and incomprehensible list of achievements. Fonseca started on the back foot, losing the first two sets 4-6, 4-6. He turned the tables in the third set with an early break and held his service games to secure a 6-3 set.
In the fourth set, Djokovic was two points away from victory, but his 19-year-old opponent kept playing one point at a time and eventually broke the Serb in the 11th game. While Djokovic made the first move in the decider, with a 3-1 lead, Fonseca responded immediately to level the score. He yet again broke the legend in the 11th game and successfully served for the match with 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 as the final score after four hours and 53 minutes.
During the on-court interview, Fonseca admitted that he wasn’t sure he would be able to get it done. “I actually didn’t. I just played. I just enjoyed being on court, and what a pleasure it was.”
He then raved about competing against a legend like Novak Djokovic. “I mean, what an idol we have. It’s a pleasure just stepping on the court against him, and it’s my first time stepping on the court against him. So just thanking him, and yeah, just very happy.”
Fonseca then joked about what it feels like to share the court with the 39-year-old. “I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean, Djokovic is… you just don’t make it. We still think he’s 20, so.”
MORE: Novak Djokovic Melts Hearts As He Involves Kids Stefan and Tara in French Open 1R Celebration
Djokovic was the only man left in the men’s draw to have experience winning Grand Slams after Jannik Sinner’s exit. His exit means the French Open will see a fresh Grand Slam champion crowned.
