João Fonseca eliminated Novak Djokovic in the third round of the French Open on May 27, 2026. The 19-year-old Brazilian overcame the third seed in a five-set match at Roland Garros.
What happened
Djokovic jumped to a 5-1 lead in the first set, but Fonseca fought back, narrowing the gap to 5-4 before Djokovic took the set. The Serbian led the second set, winning 6-4, but Fonseca showcased his skills to claim the third set 6-3.
In a tight fourth set, Fonseca broke Djokovic’s serve to equal the score at 5-5 and then served out the set, forcing a decisive fifth. The final set saw Fonseca come back from a 3-1 deficit, ultimately winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after four hours and 53 minutes of play.
Why it matters
Djokovic’s exit delays his chase for a record 25 Grand Slam titles, raising questions about his future trajectory in the sport. The loss also opens the draw significantly in Paris, allowing other competitors to capitalize, especially following the earlier upset of fourth seed Jannik Sinner.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Sinner’s surprising second-round loss changed the tournament landscape. Djokovic faced criticism for his demeanor and crowd interactions earlier in the tournament, adding pressure to perform as a favored player.
What's next
The French Open continues with the fourth round scheduled for May 29, 2026. Remaining players will look to take advantage of the shaken field.
Frequently asked questions
How did Fonseca beat Djokovic?
Fonseca overcame an early deficit, winning three consecutive sets after losing the first two.
What does this loss mean for Djokovic's career?
The loss raises questions about Djokovic’s ability to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
Related coverage on CR Today
Sources
- CBS Sports — João Fonseca takes out Novak Djokovic in third round of French Open (accessed 2026-05-29)
