With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury and Jannik Sinner suffering a shocking second-round exit, Novak Djokovic was seen as having a golden opportunity to capture his elusive 25th Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open. However, the Serb’s quest came to an unexpected end in the third round after João Fonseca’s heroics in their thrilling clash.
How Novak Djokovic Reacted to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Question After His French Open Loss
Djokovic appeared firmly in control at the start of his blockbuster showdown with Fonseca, clinching the first two sets 6-4, 6-4. However, the 19-year-old refused to back down without a fight, producing an impressive comeback to force a decider. Even after the 24-time Grand Slam champion secured an early break in the fifth set, Fonseca held his nerve to secure a hard-fought 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory in four hours and 53 minutes.
When Djokovic arrived for his post-match press conference, a reporter began to ask whether Alcaraz’s withdrawal and Sinner’s loss had made him start dreaming about his chances. However, the Serb abruptly cut off the question, pointing out that he had exited in the third round and requesting that the discussion move on to another topic.
“With Carlos sidelined and Jannik losing yesterday, did your mind begin to sort of dance and dream and think about the rest…,” the reporter asked.
“I don’t care. I don’t care. I’ll stop you right there. No. Just lost third round. Let’s just talk about something else. Thank you,” Djokovic replied.
MORE: ‘Don’t Think I’ve Done Much Wrong’ – Novak Djokovic Makes Position Clear on João Fonseca Victory
The reporter then rephrased his question, asking about Djokovic’s level of belief heading into the Major after playing just one preparatory tour-level match on clay. The 39-year-old responded by asserting that, given the fitness issues he had been dealing with, his level in Paris had exceeded expectations.
“The amount of hours I played in three matches here? Felt like I played every tournament in the last three months to be honest. I think I was playing good tennis, really good level. Considering I was injured for 3 months, trying to come back and then going pretty much straight into Grand Slam on this surface that is very demanding and for me takes more time to get used to and find my groove,” he said.
“But taking everything in consideration, I think the level was really good,” he added. “I was happy with my level, of course right now being disappointed right off the court losing, being close to win it and that’s all I can say.”
However, when asked whether he will be back to contend for the Roland Garros trophy next year, Djokovic candidly said, “I don’t know.”
While Novak Djokovic will now turn his attention to preparing for the upcoming grass-court season and his pursuit of another Wimbledon title, João Fonseca’s dream run at the French Open continues. The Brazilian is set to battle two-time Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash. If Fonseca emerges victorious, he will face the winner of the match between Andrey Rublev and Jakub Menšík in the quarterfinals.
