Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca are now set to play each other for the first time on the ATP Tour.
The pair, separated in age by 20 years, are set to contest their first match in the French Open third round.
Djokovic advanced to the third stage after beating Valentin Royer on Wednesday evening, matching one of Roger Federer’s all-time records in the process.
Meanwhile, Fonseca produced a stunning five-set victory over fellow youngster Dino Prizmic.
Are Joao Fonseca’s fans good for tennis? 😬
After defeating the Croatian, Fonseca expressed his admiration for Novak Djokovic.
Joao Fonseca has always wanted to play Novak Djokovic
“He is, without a doubt, the greatest and the best in history,” Fonseca said of Djokovic while speaking to ESPN Brazil, as reported by Jose Moron of Punto de Break.
“I always told my coach that I wanted to be in his draw someday and see if I can get a close-up look at how he plays.
“It would be an honour for me, for my personal career. An immense pleasure!”
Fonseca’s desire to play Djokovic is completely understandable. After all, Djokovic is a 24-time major champion and quite possibly the greatest player in tennis history.
Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros draw so far
- First round: defeated Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4
- Second round: defeated Valentin Royer 6-2, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3
- Third round: Joao Fonseca
- Fourth round: Casper Ruud / Tommy Paul
The Brazilian should feel confident heading into his contest with Djokovic, especially after joining an exclusive ATP group alongside Roger Federer.
As per OptaAce, Joao Fonseca has become just the third teenager this century to win a match at Roland Garros from two sets down.
Roger Federer did so at the 2001 French Open, beating Sargis Sargsian 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 9-7 in the second round.
Thanasi Kokkinakis also achieved the same feat in 2015 when he beat compatriot Bernard Tomic in the second round.
Novak Djokovic says Joao Fonseca is a ‘big stage player’
“Fonseca has been praised so much in the last couple of years,” Djokovic said during his post-match press conference on Wednesday evening.
“I think his potential and quality as a tennis player is obvious, no doubt about it.
“He’s got big Brazilian support wherever he goes. I think he’s a big stage player.
“He really loves the occasion, he really loves the night session.
“He played a great match with Sinner earlier this year in Indian Wells.
“He won against Rublev, I think in Australia, in straight sets. So he can definitely step up in the big occasion and deliver big shots – big game.”
Djokovic is seeking to win a fourth Roland Garros title, and a 25th major title in total.
Novak Djokovic would be the undisputed GOAT if he won Grand Slam number 25 – could anyone argue otherwise?
If Djokovic were to triumph in Paris, he would become the most successful Grand Slam singles player in tennis history.
