Teen Fonseca Reaches French Open Quarters After Djokovic Upset, Sinner and Alcaraz Out
9 verified8 unconfirmed
Nineteen-year-old Joao Fonseca has advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open after a third-round victory over Novak Djokovic. Fonseca came back from two sets down to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in nearly five hours. He then defeated Casper Ruud in the fourth round to secure a quarterfinal spot. Fonseca’s next opponent is 20-year-old Jakub Mensik. The tournament has seen top players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz exit early, leaving a wide-open draw. Fonseca first gained attention at the 2025 Australian Open by defeating Andrey Rublev. He is one of two teenagers in the men’s quarterfinals.
What’s verified
Joao Fonseca, 19, defeated Novak Djokovic in the third round after coming back from two sets down (4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5).
Fonseca then defeated Casper Ruud in the fourth round to reach the quarterfinals.
Fonseca’s quarterfinal opponent is Jakub Mensik, a 20-year-old from the Czech Republic.
Fonseca closed the match against Djokovic with three consecutive aces.
The match lasted nearly five hours.
Jannik Sinner exited the tournament in the second round.
Carlos Alcaraz is out of the tournament due to injury.
Fonseca first gained attention at the 2025 Australian Open by defeating Andrey Rublev.
Fonseca is from Brazil.
Not yet confirmed
Rafael Jodar, another 19-year-old, also reached the quarterfinals. (single report)
Fonseca lost to Jodar in Madrid earlier this year. (single report)
Fonseca had to win two consecutive five-set matches, also coming from two sets down against Dino Prizmic in the previous round. (single report)
Fonseca asked his fans to calm down during the tournament. (single report)
Djokovic was 39 years old. (single report)
Fonseca considered playing football but chose tennis after an injury. (single report)
Madison Keys commented on the men’s matches being drawn out. (single report)
Ruud said he was “walking around like a zombie” after his previous match. (single report)
Key figures
Joao Fonseca, Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Rafael Jodar, Dino Prizmic, Andrey Rublev, Madison Keys, Alex de Minaur
Sources: Sky Sports, sbnation.com, defector.com
