Joao Fonseca defeated Novak Djokovic, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, in the third round of the French Open.
The Brazilian stunned Djokovic from two sets down to book his place in the last 16 of Roland Garros.
How many Grand Slam titles will Joao Fonseca win in his career?
What a match!
In doing so, Fonseca achieved something no other player has in 16 years…
Joao Fonseca becomes the first player to beat Novak Djokovic from two sets down in 16 years
Fonseca faced a daunting task when he dropped the second set of his third-round match against Djokovic.
The Serb had only lost one match where he led by two sets to love, 16 years ago, against Austria’s Jurgen Melzer at this very tournament.
Novak Djokovic’s record after leading 2-0 in matches requiring a fifth set
| Match | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2026 French Open – 3R | Joao Fonseca | LOSS | 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, |
| 2021 Australian Open – 3R | Taylor Fritz | WIN | 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 |
| 2020 French Open – SF | Stefanos Tsitsipas | WIN | 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 |
| 2015 French Open – SF | Andy Murray | WIN | 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 6-1 |
| 2010 French Open – QF | Jurgen Melzer | LOSS | 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 6-7, 4-6 |
| 2007 Wimbledon – QF | Marcos Baghdatis | WIN | 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 7-5 |
| 2006 French Open – 2R | Fernando Gonzalez | WIN | 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-1 |
Doing the impossible, Fonseca bravely fought back to win in five sets, making memories that will last a lifetime on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic and Fonseca played their parts in an instant classic, as momentum swung back and forth on Friday evening.
But it was the Brazilian who prevailed, securing his spot in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
The question is, what’s next for Fonseca?
Who will Joao Fonseca play in the fourth round of the French Open?
Fonseca will return to take on either Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul in the last 16.
The Norwegian is a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, and with the draw as open as it is, will be determined to take the title in 2026.
Paul shouldn’t be underestimated either, having impressed on clay recently, reaching the final of the Hamburg Open last time out.
Fonseca has yet to play Ruud, but has met Paul twice before.
Paul won their first career meeting at the 2025 Madrid Open, before Fonseca got his revenge this year in Indian Wells.
Paul currently leads Ruud by two sets to one on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Novak Djokovic misses golden chance to win his 25th Grand Slam
When Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Roland Garros, Djokovic’s chances of winning an elusive 25th Grand Slam title looked better than ever.
And his odds only improved when a cramping Jannik Sinner was dumped out of the competition by Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Djokovic was one of the big favourites to claim the title alongside Germany’s Alexander Zverev, but it wasn’t to be.
The Serb saw the opportunity slip through his fingers, failing to reach the fourth round.
He must now regroup before Wimbledon, where he will again look to win his 25th major.
The 2026 Wimbledon Championships begin on Monday, June 29.
