Joao Fonseca Edges Classic to Down Novak Djokovic in Paris
Roland Garros
May 29, 2026
Joao Fonseca and his colourful army of Brazilian supporters are in a Parisian dreamland this evening.
In the final analysis, it was a series of deadly drop shots and aces that did for a courageous Novak Djokovic.
Fonseca is twenty years Novak’s junior – but claimed the Serb was the fitter man towards the end.
It wasn’t quite true. But these superstars from very different generations had played an absolute classic across four hours and fifty-three minutes.
Here at Wimbledon Debenture Holders, we predicted a blockbuster. We also suggested that Djokovic would be in danger of elimination against the talented youngster.
So it proved.
Joao Fonseca is the youngest man ever to beat Novak Djokovic at a Grand Slam. He could make a massive impact at Wimbledon 2026, too.
The South American has been threatening to do something like this for some time. But he had never been given the opportunity to display his huge talent against Djokovic before.
Fonseca said afterwards: ‘I actually didn’t believe I could win. I just played and enjoyed being on the court.
‘What an idol we have and what a pleasure it was to step onto the court against him. I thank him and I’m very happy.
‘I was just trying to hit the ball as hard as I could. Djokovic doesn’t miss and we still think he’s twenty! At the end of the match he was fitter than me, which is crazy.
‘When the day was getting darker, I felt much slower. I just believed I could do aces, it was crazy. I have never done that before.’
It was a ruthless way to close out a marathon 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory. The more the tide turned, the more the younger man became favourite.
And yet it was Djokovic who led 3-1 in the final set before the underdog somehow found the confidence to break back immediately.
Joao Fonseca and Novak Djokovic could give us fresh tennis feasts at Wimbledon 2026. The entertainment they deliver is out of this world.
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