Novak Djokovic lost from two sets up to exit the French Open against teenager Joao Fonseca in an extraordinary upset, which means a new men’s grand slam champion will be crowned in Paris this fortnight.
Following the shock exit of favourite Jannik Sinner yesterday and with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury, the 39-year-old Djokovic faced a golden opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title with his two biggest rivals removed from his path.
He led the Brazilian 28th seed by two sets, but the 19-year-old Fonseca launched a thrilling fight-back to extend the battle and drag Djokovic into a decider where, for only the second time in his career, Djokovic lost at a grand slam after leading by two sets.
The result adds to what has become the most unpredictable men’s grand slam in years, and means there will be a new champion with Alexander Zverev among the favourites and Fonseca perhaps joining the second seed after an incredible display.
Djokovic, meanwhile, will rue the passing of a significant opportunity. His first loss to a teenager at a grand slam will hurt immensely after waiting patiently for this sort of chance to win a record-breaking 25th major title,
French Open: Latest scores and updates on day five
- Novak Djokovic crashes out of French Open from two sets up in stunning upset
- Djokovic was two sets up but thrilling Joao Fonseca, 19, rallies to force a deciding set
- Djokovic had huge opportunity to win 25th grand slam after Jannik Sinner's exit
- Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva through in straight-sets on Philippe-Chatrier
- Rafael Jodar, 19, wins five-setter to reach French Open last-16 for first time
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-7 Joao Fonseca
19:59 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s unbelievable. The French Open is blown WIDE OPEN. AGAIN.
Fonseca breaks into the widest smile. He ruffles his hair. He has no idea what to do! He falls into Djokovic’s arms at the net. Djokovic slaps his opponent on the back, a touch of class.
Fonseca pats his heart. He showed plenty of that. But Djokovic’s dream of a 25th grand slam title has been denied, again, and in a tournament where Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz aren’t here.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-7 Joao Fonseca
19:56 , Jamie Braidwood
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!
BACK TO BACK ACES FROM FONSECA.
HE BEATS DJOKOVIC.
FROM TWO SETS DOWN!
TENNIS HAS A NEW STAR!
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
19:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca keeps to the plan: if it sits up on the forehand, go for it. He cracks a winner but then finds the net and will face 30-30.
Oh that’s a tight shot! Djokovic scrambled to his right and kept the point alive. Fonseca had the court to aim for, but goes long!
BREAK POINT, this to take it into a tiebreak! BUT FONSECA FINDS THE ACE OUT WIDE.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
19:53 , Jamie Braidwood
The crowd is going mental as Fonseca steps out to serve for the win.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
19:51 , Jamie Braidwood
I keep writing WOW but Fonseca keeps producing magic moments! He races to meet a Djokovic volley and flicks the winner down the line on the opening point of the 11th game. Then he scrambles to Djokovic’s drop shot and produces a masterful touch to flick the volley crosscourt. 0-30.
WOOOOOOW. Fonseca then pulls out the drop shot and leaves Djokovic stranded at the back of the court! Three break points, after three inspired moments, to take a huge step towards the upset.
Djokovic saves the first. A half-volley flicked away. Clever! Djokovic wrong-foots Fonseca with the serve-volley, putting the volley behind his opponent. Can he get out of trouble here?
BUT FONSECA DOES IT! He finds the drop shot again and that could be the final blow! Djokovic shakes his head. Fonseca gulps air and tries to stay calm. But the biggest moment of his life is coming up.
He will serve for the match.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-5 Joao Fonseca
19:46 , Jamie Braidwood
WOW! Pressure, what pressure? Fonseca blasts a forehand winner crosscourt but then shows immense grit to reach the Djokovic drop shot and flick back a brilliant lob. Djokovic, bent over again between the points, goes for broke but thrashes the return into the net.
5-5.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-4 Joao Fonseca*
19:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca... wow, wow you have delivered a performance tonight. The teenager jumps into the backhand return winner. Djokovic, though, takes a big step towards the fourth round by getting his first serves and play and avoiding long exchanges.
Although Fonseca skips a forehand winner, Djokovic raises the bar: a backhand winner is a moment of magic and it gets him the hold. Now Djokovic, with his head bowed, will need to summon one last burst of energy and put the pressure on Fonseca.
The 19-year-old will need to serve to stay in the match.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 4-4 Joao Fonseca
19:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca skips through a comfortable hold, immediately throwing it back to Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 4-3 Joao Fonseca*
19:34 , Jamie Braidwood
BIG HOLD! Somehow, Djokovic manages to defend not one, not two but three huge forehand blows from Fonseca, clinging on. But he gets up to Fonseca’s volley and flashes the backhand winner. He raises his arms but then collapses into his chair. This looks like an almighty struggle for Djokovic.
It is only the third round.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-3 Joao Fonseca
19:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh my goodness. Fonseca is going full Alcaraz. He has Philippe-Chatrier on its feet and is not missing a ball, painting the lines with back-to-back forehand winners to get to 0-30.
Djokovic comes into the net... and sticks the volley. He produces the big serve and Fonseca’s floated return drifts long. Fonseca then nets on the forehand.
Wow. Fonseca extends the point and locks into a brutal rally before firing the forehand winner crosscourt! Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-3 Joao Fonseca
19:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca is surging. A forehand winner screeching past Djokovic. An ace. A love-hold.
Djokovic is in big, big trouble against this thrilling opponent, and his own body.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-2 Joao Fonseca*
19:24 , Jamie Braidwood
More trouble for Djokovic! Fonseca isn’t going anywhere and Djokovic slumps a forehand into the net and has to look at two break-back points on 15-40. Djokovic takes a long stare at the mark after his serve lands out. Fonseca goes big to the Djokovic backhand and gets his reward! WOW! He breaks back immediately.
He grits his teeth and clenches his fist. He is not backing away from this challenge! Djokovic covers his face with his towel. Wow he is being pushed to his absolute limits.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-1 Joao Fonseca
19:19 , Jamie Braidwood
All of a sudden, Djokovic gets his opportunity! Djokovic makes the passing shot after Fonseca comes into the net. Then, on 0-30, Fonseca floats a shot long after Djokovic steadied on the baseline.
Three break points. Djokovic needs just one. He locks in, pushes Fonseca deep, and sticks a stunning drop-volley. Djokovic, though, looks in discomfort as he goes to his towel box and bends over the sideboard as if he’s going to be sick.
But he gets the break. Can Fonseca fight back again?
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 2-1 Joao Fonseca*
19:13 , Jamie Braidwood
There is, understandably, a bit of a lull. Djokovic takes a deep breath as Fonseca misses on the backhand crosscourt. He appears to stretch his legs as he returns to his seat at the change of ends.
Even if Djokovic wins this, Fonseca has significantly harmed his chances of going all the way in Paris by taking him the full distance. It would leave Djokovic at risk of “running out of gas” much earlier than usual.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 1-1 Joao Fonseca
19:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic, breathing heavily, is looking to shorten the points. But Fonseca holds to love. And looks the better play right now.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 1-0 Joao Fonseca*
19:06 , Jamie Braidwood
A grimacing Djokovic holds to start the fifth set. We have passed the four-hour mark and this will be a test of endurance as well as tennis. Fonseca, incidentally, won his second-round match against Dino Prizmic from two sets down. He’s going the distance again.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 0-0 Joao Fonseca
19:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Is the only grand slam champion left in the men’s draw about to go out? Is Djokovic going to keep his bid for 25 alive? We’re about to find out.
Djokovic is shaking out his shoulder and wrist, as he did at the start of the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 Joao Fonseca
18:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic did not want to go to five sets. He did not want to go to four hours and more. He has never lost to a teenager at a grand slam. He has only lost from two sets up once and that was 16 years ago at the 2010 French Open, against Jurgen Melzer.
Joao Fonseca is living up to the hype and is creating a classic. Whatever happens from here, tennis has a star on its hands in the Brazilian, that’s for sure.
Djokovic has gone off court to prepare himself for the fifth. Remember, Jannik Sinner is out. Carlos Alcaraz is injured. But he’s facing a dangerous player in Fonseca and he is proving to be a big, big danger to his hopes of winning a 25th grand slam title.
FOURTH SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 Joao Fonseca
18:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow. Three hours and 48 minutes in and Joao Fonseca is hitting shots like this! He rips another forehand winner, at 106mph, crosscourt and it flashes past Djokovic.
Fonseca, though, will have to do this the hard way as he nets to bring up 15-30. Djokovic is digging in. Fonseca finds a lovely wide serve, creating a brilliant angle, and smashes away the winner.
30-30. Fonseca comes up with the volley! He pushed Djokovic deep then advanced to bring up SET POINT! DJOKOVIC GOES LONG AND WE’RE GOING TO FIVE!
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
18:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Strange shot from Djokovic to leave a ball sitting in mid-court. Fonseca steps in to put away the winner and get to 15-30.
Djokovic has game point, but Fonseca forces him to hit off-balance and he commits the error to get to deuce.
But Fonseca rips the forehand down the line to bring up break point, leaving Djokovic stranded! FONSECA BLASTS THROUGH DJOKOVIC!
HE’S A GAME AWAY FROM A FIFTH SET!
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 Joao Fonseca
18:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Some nerves showing from Fonseca as he leaves a second-serve short and Djokovic pummels the return to get to 30-30 and two points away from the fourth round.
WOW! Fonseca launches into a backhand winner and paints the line, roaring after the winner! Huge shot at a clutch time - electrifying! Djokovic, though, rips the backhand volley to get to deuce.
Fonseca, though, finds a big first serve and gets through a testing game. Djokovic continues to vent to his box.
Break points saved! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-4 Joao Fonseca*
18:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca rips another forehand winner and Djokovic, breathing heavily now between points, blunders on the baseline exchange to bring another break point. Djokovic saves with a pinpoint ace onto the centre line. Fonseca shakes his head in disbelief...
Big hold! Up to Fonseca to hold serve to stay in the match...
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-4 Joao Fonseca
18:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic covers his face with his hands after pushing a crosscourt backhand long! Fonseca feels the momentum, and the moment. It’s 15-30.
Djokovic responds with a steely backhand winner down the line. The ball sits up for Fonseca, and he pounds the winner to bring up break point!
Fonseca nets on the crosscourt backhand! Djokovic digs in and Fonseca whacks his racket off the clay in frustration.
Deuce.
Break points saved! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-4 Joao Fonseca
18:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Four points in a row from 15-40 down to hold! With big-time tennis!
Huge serving and destructive forehands. Big hold.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-3 Joao Fonseca*
18:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Ooooh Fonseca did not need to go for this shot! Down 15-30, he goes for the big inside-out forehand down the line but finds the net, giving Djokovic two break points.
Djokovic had the chance to pass on the backhand but nets and buckles over his knees, panting and mopping his face with a towel. He really, really does not want five sets.
HUGE from Fonseca! He throws himself into the forehand to save the second break point with a thumping winner. We’re going to deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 3-3 Joao Fonseca
18:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca roars “come on!” as Djokovic pushes the backhand crosscourt long and the Brazilian holds. Djokovic has managed to subdue the teenager’s charge slightly, but this fourth set remains in the balance.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 2-2 Joao Fonseca
18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic tempts Fonseca into a lapse of concentration with a deep, looping ball to his forehand. Then, on 30-30, Djokovic finds the baseline and brings another miss from Fonseca, who was off-balance. Djokovic senses his moment. He jumps into the return and keeps it low, skidding to the backhand. Fonseca can’t pick it up and Djokovic breaks back to level the fourth!
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 1-2 Joao Fonseca*
17:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca is the player coming up with the show-stoppers here. He reads a Djokovic forehand and guides the backhand winner down the line. But Djokovic, after shooting a long glare at the photographers, holds serve.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-2 Joao Fonseca
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca looks around anxiously for the call but manages to stick a tricky volley onto the baseline. He consolidates the break and shakes his racket. He believes! Djokovic faces an almighty challenge to wriggle out of this and avoid being dragged to a fifth set.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-1 Joao Fonseca*
17:47 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is hanging on... He is pushed deep by Fonseca’s mighty backhand strike down the line and his return doens’t clear the tape. He takes a long time over the serve... and is given a time violation warning!
🚨 Fonseca breaks! He pushes Djokovic deep again with another big strike and Djokovic, off balance, hits long of the baseline! Wow. Fonseca breaks to lead the fourth.
Break points saved! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-0 Joao Fonseca
17:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh my word! Djokovic suddenly stretches out his shoulder and palm after Fonseca wins the first point... and then it becomes three break points as Fonseca shoots a forehand down the line and Djokovic can’t respond!
Djokovic takes a big breath after saving the first, with Fonseca missing. The Brazilian then strikes the net with the forehand return, looking for the down-the-line winner.
It sits up for Fonseca to strike... but Djokovic somehow reads it and puts the forehand back down the line despite being off balance! Wow, that’s a big moment. Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-0 Joao Fonseca
17:37 , Jamie Braidwood
So we’ve played two-and-a-half hours. If Djokovic wins this set it’ll go to around three-and-a-half , if Fonseca wins it and forces a fifth we’ll be going to at least four hours.
Every minute counts for the 39-year-old Djokovic. Here’s what he said after being taken to a fourth set by Valentin Royer on Thursday.
“Reasonably long,” Djokovic said in response to a question that suggested he had avoided playing a long match. “When you play a three-and-a-half hour match on clay, it's long and very exhausting. At least in my opinion.
“So physically (I) spent quite a bit of energy today on a very hot day. Very challenging conditions. It was obviously my fault I didn't finish in straight sets, because I broke up twice in the third match point.”
Here we go... set number four.
THIRD SET! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 Joao Fonseca
17:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Tense moments for Fonseca as he serves for the set. A pick-up volley goes wrong, and sees him face 15-30. Djokovic races so far wide to reach a smash that he runs off the court, but manages to get the defensive lob in play. Fonseca smiles, knowing Djokovic won’t make this easy.
And here comes the break point: Fonseca pushes a forehand long. But he goes for a bold second-serve down the middle and finds the spot! Djokovic can’t believe it after putting the forehand out.
ACE from Fonseca on deuce! He roars after it, too! Set point. ANOTHER ACE! The explosion from his fans tells you everything you need to know. He has forced a fourth! Not what Djokovic wanted!
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 2-5 Joao Fonseca
17:23 , Jamie Braidwood
This is impressive from Fonseca, who is dictating behind serve and getting his forehand strike in play early. He holds comfortably to move a game away from winning the third set. Djokovic presses a couple of ice packs to his face and neck at the changeover. It’s hot work out there.
Elsewhere, Urkraine’s Elina Svitolina has joined compatriot Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round by breezing past Tamara Korpatsch 6-2 6-3. The seventh seed is moving through the draw nicely and will play either Belinda Bencic or Peyton Stearns in the last-16.
Meanwhile, Jakub Mensik is back on court after his five-hour, five-set epic on Wednesday, an effort that saw him collapse after winning match point. He has lost the opening set 6-0 to eighth seed Alex de Minaur, who is up against a fatigued opponent.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 1-4 Joao Fonseca
17:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Another little test past by Fonseca, and in some style. He roars after a forehand winner blasted into the corner! Such effortless power, and he is able to dictate more and more of these rallies.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-3 Joao Fonseca
17:03 , Jamie Braidwood
WHAT A GAME! Fonseca fends off a couple of break points from Djokovic in court-stretching rallies to win an epic mini battle and stay ahead in the third. Fonseca used the drop shot wonderfully there, and really showed his all-court ability. Djokovic is getting very frustrated and covers his face with his towel. Fonseca has the fans alive and asks for more.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-2 Joao Fonseca*
16:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was very annoyed to be taken into a third set by Valentin Royer in the previous round so would like to get this match over and done with as soon as possible now.
Fonseca, though, drags Djokovic into deuce and wins a gutsy point, forcing Djokovic behind the baseline, to bring break point. Djokovic’s serve has deserted him...
Fonseca manages to get Djokovic off-balance and Djokovic hits the net looking for the backhand down the line! Fonseca roars and breaks Djokovic to lead the third! Game on!
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-2 Joao Fonseca*
16:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was very annoyed to be taken into a third set by Valentin Royer in the previous round so would like to get this match over and done with as soon as possible now.
Fonseca, though, drags Djokovic into deuce and wins a gutsy point, forcing Djokovic behind the baseline, to bring break point. Djokovic’s serve has deserted him...
Fonseca manages to get Djokovic off-balance and Djokovic hits the net looking for the backhand down the line! Fonseca roars and breaks Djokovic to lead the third! Game on!
SECOND SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 Joao Fonseca*
16:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Ah this is sublime. Djokovic races to his right to meet a fierce drive from Fonseca, then scuttles to his left and dispatches a backhand winner. He celebrates by pointing to his ear.
Two set points, for a two-set lead: Djokovic finds the serve and puts the forehand drive past Fonseca, wrong-footing him. Djokovic is cruising, but is very irritated by a cameraman getting too close to him in the changeover...
Lots of work to do for Fonseca. The players head off court. So far, so good for Djokovic after just 90 minutes.
French Open: Rafael Jodar wins five-setter!
16:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Jodar battles on! Roland Garros has a new Rafa and the Spanish teenager is through to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time, battling from two sets to one down to beat Alex Michelsen in five. The American received treatment on a back injury in the fourth, but Jodar showed impressive grit there to get through in four hours. He will play fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the No 89, in the fourth round. What an opportunity that is to reach a quarter-final.
“A dream come true,” he says. “I had to fight, it was a tough match.”
Novak Djokovic 6-4 5-3 Joao Fonseca*
16:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca steers a forehand winner to get to 0-30 and Djokovic groans as he puts a backhand into the net on 30-30, offering Fonseca a break point.
Djokovic finds a precise serve and dispatches the forehand to save, then Fonseca makes a forehand error on deuce,
And that’s a huge roar from Djokovic as Fonseca goes long on the return and the 39-year-old escapes to move a game away from a two-set lead.
Break point saved.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-3 Joao Fonseca
16:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is bidding for his 104th win at the French Open today, which would put him to within eight matches of Rafael Nadal’s all-time record. A deep run here and he could potentially challenge that next year if he returns at the age of 40.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4 3-2 Joao Fonseca
16:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Superb timing from Djokovic from the baseline! On two points in a row, he steps in to put away forehand winners crosscourt. It earns him the break in the second. He controlled those two points as if the ball was on a string.
Novak Djokovic 6-4 2-2 Joao Fonseca*
16:08 , Jamie Braidwood
A sensational point, and longest rally of the match so far at 21 shots, as Djokovic and Fonseca exchange volleys at the net and the 39-year-old swats away the winner. Djokovic then puts away a wonderful backhand lob. He enjoys toying with these young guys and battling away with them so much, it’s great to see.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 1-2 Joao Fonseca
16:02 , Jamie Braidwood
This is turning into a fine match now, with Fonseca responding better in the rallies when pushed wide by Djokovic and showing much better tolerance. It remains on serve in the second.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 0-1 Joao Fonseca
15:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca rips a forehand winner on the rise to hold in the opening game of the second, which feels significant.
FIRST SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4 Joao Fonseca
15:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was looking like he was going to win the first set 6-1 and in 28 minutes. But Fonseca has arrived, and if he carries this into the second set the 39-year-old may need to prepare for a more physical match than he would like. Fonseca was outplayed at times in this opener, but he has belief - can he extend it further? Djokovic looks supreme to start the match, though.
Rafael Jodar, meanwhile, whips his arms as he forces the fifth set against Alex Michelsen. He remains alive.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 5-3 Joao Fonseca*
15:42 , Jamie Braidwood
The Fonseca fans are cheering now! The Brazilian was staring down the barrel of a 6-1 opening set, but saved three set points in a row from 0-40 down when serving. From there, Fonseca breaks Djokovic in the very next game and roars as the 39-year-old throws a backhand long. That will give the teenager a huge lift. He gets one of the two breaks back.
Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar leads the fourth set 5-2 against Alex Michelsen, and the American has called a medical timeout to receive treatment on a back injury. Maybe it will be a good day for the teenagers after all...
Novak Djokovic 5-1 Joao Fonseca*
15:28 , Jamie Braidwood
This is turning into a bad day for the teenagers in the men’s draw. Fonseca, the 28th seed, is 5-1 down to Djokovic on Chatrier and Rafael Jodar, the 27th seed, is two sets to one down to Alex Michelsen on Simonne-Mathieu having served for a two-set lead. Jodar is battling away in the fourth but he will need to go the distance if he is to advance to the fourth round for the first time. The Spaniard, somehow, was installed as one of the new tournament favourites after Jannik Sinner’s exit, having gone far in Madrid and Rome.
*Novak Djokovic 4-1 Joao Fonseca
15:23 , Jamie Braidwood
This is beautiful stuff from Djokovic. His first forehand winner in this game drew gasps from the sheer ferocity. The second caused Fonseca to throw his head back in disbelief. He went for the serve-volley, but Djokovic passed him. That’s a double-break.
Novak Djokovic 3-1 Joao Fonseca*
15:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic beats Fonseca with a backhand lob but is grumbling away to his team, upset with something. Fonseca, really, should have put away the volley and the teenager seems a little caught in the headlights in the opening 15 minutes. He did, though, play five sets in the previous round.
French Open: Upset alert!
15:15 , Jamie Braidwood
The 10th seed and former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova is out! She led 5-1 in the second set, but unravelled! Jil Teichmann, the world No 70 who is competing in just her second tournament of the year, advances to face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva thanks to a 6-1 7-5 win. The Swiss won the final six games in a row.
Novak Djokovic 2-0 Joao Fonseca*
15:09 , Jamie Braidwood
The early break is followed by a love-hold for Djokovic. The serve kicks up to Fonseca’s shoulder, and the return drifts out.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 1-0 Joao Fonseca
15:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Well, that’s a good start! Fonseca attacks a slower ball at the baseline and throws too much power at it, drifting long. Djokovic then leads into a lovely backhand winner to bring two break points.
Fonseca saves the first with a forehand winner down the line to huge roars from the Brazilian fans. He explodes into another forehand but Djokovic moves so well, then reaches the drop shot.
Fonseca’s angled return drifts out. Djokovic breaks!
Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
14:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Since beating Andrey Rublev in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open, Joao Fonseca has lost all four matches he has played against top-10 opponents this year, including his first meetings with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. This is his first go at playing Novak Djokovic, as he looks for the win that would really jump his exciting career up to another level. “I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt,” Djokovic said. “He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas.”
Here we go! Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
14:54 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s time for today’s big match: Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca. How will Djokovic respond to the big opportunity now facing him, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz out of contention and removed as potential obstacles in his bid for a 25th grand slam singles title? How will Fonseca deal with taking to Chatrier, playing his idol and the “GOAT” after a five-set epic in round two? Let’s find out.
French Open - Up next! Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
14:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic is bidding to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the 20th time (!) against Joao Fonseca. Since Fonseca was born, in 2006, Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals or better at 18 of the 19 Roland Garros tournaments. The 19-year-old Fonseca, meanwhile, is aiming to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.
Such a vast difference in experience. Djokovic, meanwhile, has never lost to a teenager in 18 previous matches.
French Open: Game, set and match Andreeva
14:39 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s a very professional win from Mirra Andreeva, the eighth seed a 6-4 6-2 winner against Marie Bouzkova to return to the fourth round of the French Open for the third consecutive year.
She will play the winner of the match between 10th seed Karolina Muchova and Jil Teichmann. Muchova has turned the match around after Teichmann won a 6-1 opening set and is 5-1 up in the second.
Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca will be next on Chatrier.
Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca in loaded section of French Open draw
14:26 , Jamie Braidwood
The winner of the match between Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca will play either former French Open finalist Casper Ruud or 24th seed Tommy Paul, one of the sport’s toughest competitors who could be one of the players to thrive in these conditions. Considering many sections of the draw are now looking pretty light following the exits of favourite Jannik Sinner and a number of top seeds, it is undoubtedly a loaded section.
French Open: How has Rafael Jodar messed that up?
14:12 , Jamie Braidwood
A sign of nerves and inexperience, maybe, from Rafael Jodar as he fails to serve out the second set and then loses an error-strewn tiebreak to Alex Michelsen! Jodar slumped a forehand into the net down set point, and then heads off the court to clear his head. A big test for the 27th seed, with that match soon to tick over the two-hour mark.
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
14:05 , Kieran Jackson
Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open in the second round on Thursday after dramatically cramping, one game away from winning the match.
The world No 1, and the overwhelming favourite to win the men’s singles title, was two sets and 5-1 to the good against Argentine player Juan Manuel Cerundolo, when he suffered a physical breakdown.
Barely moving, Sinner eventually called for the trainer and said he “wanted to vomit.” The Italian continued, but won only two more games as Cerundolo completed one of the biggest shocks in Grand Slam history.
It means Sinner’s dream of completing the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros – having had three championship points in his historic final defeat against Carlos Alcaraz last year – is over for another year. He hinted afterwards he will now take a break and won’t compete until Wimbledon on 29 June.
Yet what are the heat rules in place? And what did Sinner say afterwards?
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
French Open: Mirra Andreeva wins opening set on Chatrier
13:56 , Jamie Braidwood
A trademark backhand winner from Mirra Andreeva seals a 6-4 opening set against the 27th seed Marie Bouzkova. Andreeva has reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals in her previous two appearances in Paris, and is on course to reach the business end of the tournament again.
There’s an upset brewing on Suzanne-Lenglen, though. Jil Teichmann, the 70-ranked Swiss, has won the opening set 6-1 against 10th seed and former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova. Meanwhile, Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar has earned a crucial break against Alex Michelsen and will serve for a two-set lead...
What has Fonseca said about Djokovic?
13:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Over the past few months, Joao Fonseca has played Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the first time, but he now gets a first shot at the “GOAT”.
“I always say to my coach, I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know it’s not going to last too long (his career). I just want to have this experience in my life.
“I’m just going to enjoy it. For me, being in the Roland Garros third round is just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport.
“Hopefully, I can play a great match. Of course, stepping onto the court, I’m going to respect him, but I’ll also try to do my best and win this match.
“I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before.”
What has Djokovic said about Fonseca?
13:35 , Jamie Braidwood
“Fonseca has received plenty of praise in the last two years. I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt. He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas.
“He played a great match against [Jannik] Sinner in Indian Wells, beat [Andrey] Rublev in straight sets in Australia, and it’s clear he can step up in big matches and bring out his best, with very powerful shots.”
Frances Tiafoe rewards fan for returning racket after wild French Open celebrations
13:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Frances Tiafoe has been reunited with his racket after losing track of his equipment in the celebrations that followed his French Open win over Hubert Hurkacz.
The American prevailed in a five-set battle to reach the third round at Roland Garros, but later revealed that his racket had been taken in the subsequent celebratory melee.
The 19th seed had offered a reward of two tickets to the individual who had taken his Yonex, and it appears the thief took Tiafoe up on the offer after the racket was returned to his coach.
Frances Tiafoe rewards fan for returning racket after wild French Open celebrations
Jannik Sinner: 'This is my main goal here and I had a very early exit'
13:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner finished his press conference by confirming he does not regret playing such a busy clay-court swing, after titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. The world No 1 says winning the French Open was his biggest goal of the year, but his challenge is over after just the second round.
“If I don't play Madrid or if I don't play Rome, maybe I come here and I have still have a day like this where you feel sick. Looking back, it's always very tough. At the same time I won three tournaments on clay, had incredible results, an amazing streak.
“As I said in the beginning of the year, this is my main goal here and I had a very early exit. It’s not what I was looking for. But you also don't know if things would have changed if I would maybe skip Madrid and play only Rome or maybe skipping Rome and to come here. You never know.”
French Open: Iga Swiatek books Marta Kostyuk clash in fourth round
12:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Iga Swiatek gets the job done in the all-Poland clash against Magda Linette, with the four-time champion advancing thanks to a slightly roundabout 6-4 6-4 win in 85 minutes.
Swiatek, who improves her overall record at Roland Garros to 43-3, has reached the third round in Paris in all eight of her appearances and now faces the in-form Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round on Sunday.
Kostyuk, the 15th seed, has won 14 matches in a row and is unbeaten on clay this year. Swiatek, though, has won all four of her previous matches against the Ukrainian. That’s a cracker.
The men’s French Open contenders after Jannik Sinner shock including Spanish teenager
12:50 , Jack Rathborn
Jannik Sinner is out of the French Open and with that goes the biggest favourite before a Grand Slam in the men's singles draw since Rafael Nadal, also at the French Open in 2009.
The Italian went down in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and with Carlos Alcaraz also out of Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, this year due to injury, Novak Djokovic has a chance to bring up a 25th Grand Slam.
That would take Djokovic past Margaret Court, breaking a tie with the Australian for most singles titles in the sport’s history.
Outside of Djokovic, there are no Grand Slam winners in the draw left, offering both opportunity and pressure without the two players that have defined this current era of men’s tennis.
Here we look at the contenders in the men’s French Open as we approach the end of the first week:
Who could win the French Open after Jannik Sinner’s shock exit?
Jannik Sinner explains sudden collapse at French Open
12:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner, speaking in his press-conference after his shock defeat at the French Open.
“Didn't feel very well on court, but can happen. Was in a good spot, also in third set, but I couldn't couldn't serve it out and then struggled quite a bit. Also congrats to him, I don't want to take I don't want to take anything away from him. He played a very solid match, especially also in the end, and that's the sport.
“I started to feel very dizzy, very low of energy. I tried to to serve it out [in the third] but didn't have a lot of energy. Fourth set I let it go a little bit trying to have a bit more energy in the fifth. Very important game, the first one, but couldn't hold and then it went all a bit downwards.
“I woke up this morning didn't feel very well and tried to keep the the points very short in the beginning. I was hitting very clean, very good and then I just kind of hit the wall and that's it.”
Djokovic v Fonseca start time: When is French Open third-round blockbuster?
12:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic battles rising star Joao Fonseca for the first time in a blockbuster third-round match at the French Open.
The shock exit of world No 1 and pre-tournament favourite Jannik Sinner has left Djokovic as the only grand slam champion left in the Roland Garros draw, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined with a wrist injury.
Djokovic, at 39, now has a big opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title, but he still faces a tricky road to the title and will play the talented teenager Fonseca for a place in the fourth round.
The Brazilian, 19, had to recover from two sets down to beat Dino Prizmic in the second round on Tuesday and will be looking for the biggest win of his young career.
Many would have expected Djokovic v Fonseca to be the night session match, but instead Alexander Zverev will play against Frenchman Quentin Halys in the final match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Djokovic v Fonseca start time: When is French Open third-round blockbuster?
Jannik Sinner: 'Nothing against the heat - it was just me today'
12:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner says he started feeling as if he didn’t have any energy during the third set, but denies that had anything to do with the heat in Paris. He explains he didn’t sleep well last night and didn’t feel well when he woke up.
“It was warm but not crazy warm. I feel like it was quite okay to play and really it was was nothing against the heat, nothing against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens.
“I felt this morning that I didn't sleep very well. This morning when I woke up was struggling a bit, but you know this can happen.
“Usually in grand slams you always have a couple of days where you don't feel perfect. This was today. And yeah, this happened.”
French Open: Kostyuk extends winning streak to reach fourth round
11:54 , Jamie Braidwood
How about Marta Kostyuk? The Rouen and Madrid champion is the only player in the draw to be unbeaten on clay this season and the Ukrainian has extended her winning streak to 14 matches in a row with an impressive 6-4 6-3 win over Viktorija Golubic.
Kostyuk is through to the fourth round of Roland Garros for the first time since 2021. She will play the winner of Iga Swiatek v Magda Linette, with the four-time champion recoverying from an early break to take the first set 6-4. The player to beat Kostyuk in 2021? Swiatek.
But if they meet this year Kostyuk will feel as if she is a different player.
French Open player claims defeat should not have been umpired by a woman
11:53 , Eleanor Crooks
A French Open player has sparked controversy by saying his match should not have been umpired by a woman.
Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was facing French teenager Moise Kouame in the second round on Thursday in what turned out to be one of the matches of the tournament so far.
Kouame, 17, was roared on by his home fans on Court Suzanne Lenglen, eventually winning 6-3 7-5 3-6 2-6 7-6 (10/8) after four hours and 56 minutes.
Vallejo was unhappy with the time Kouame was allowed to take between points and argued Brazilian Ana Carvalho, an experienced official, was not strong enough to control the crowd.
French Open player claims defeat should not have been umpired by a woman
Jannik Sinner denies heat was to blame for shock French Open exit
11:45 , Eleanor Crooks
Jannik Sinner denied that heat was behind his stunning French Open loss and instead blamed feeling unwell.
The world number one arrived in Paris as the most overwhelming title favourite since a prime Rafael Nadal but is leaving before the first weekend after a 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1 loss to Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Even more shocking than the result was the manner of the loss, with Sinner apparently cruising to victory at 5-1 up in the third set only to lose 18 points in a row.
Sinner’s difficulties in hot weather are well documented, including a narrow escape at the Australian Open this year when he was saved by that tournament’s heat policy, but the 24-year-old insisted this was a different situation.
Jannik Sinner denies heat was to blame for shock French Open exit
French Open: Play underway on Court Philippe-Chatrier
11:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic’s match against Joao Fonseca will take place following the women’s singles matches involving four-time champion Iga Swiatek and former semi-finalist Mirra Andreeva.
Swiatek avoided playing her nemesis but will instead need to face compatriot Magda Linette, who defeated her earlier this season. It was a loss that sent Swiatek into a bit of a crisis, and was the last straw before firing coach Wim Fissette.
Andreeva, the eighth seed, plays Marie Bouzkova, who was looked very assured so far at Roland Garros. The Czech has enjoyed a bit of a breakthrough year this season and knocked out Britain’s Fran Jones in the second round.
Why Jannik Sinner’s unthinkable French Open defeat is a huge wake-up call
11:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner was the biggest pre-tournament favourite at Roland Garros since Rafael Nadal in 2009 and his shock second-round defeat should alert every player in the draw while Carlos Alcaraz is absent.
Why Jannik Sinner’s unthinkable French Open defeat is a huge wake-up call
French Open order of play: Friday 29 May
11:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Court Philippe-CHATRIER
From 11:00am
- Magda Linette (POL) vs Iga Swiatek (POL) [3]
- Mirra Andreeva [8] vs Marie Bouzkova (CZE) [27]
Not before 2:30pm
- Joao Fonseca (BRA) [28] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [3]
Night Session – Not before 7:15pm
- Quentin Halys (FRA) vs Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]
Court Suzanne-LENGLEN
From 10:00am
- Nuno Borges (POR) vs Andrey Rublev [11]
- Jil Teichmann (SUI) vs Karolina Muchova (CZE) [10]
- Elina Svitolina (UKR) [7] vs Tamara Korpatsch (GER)
- Casper Ruud (NOR) [15] vs Tommy Paul (USA) [24]
Court Simonne-MATHIEU
From 10:00am
- Marta Kostyuk (UKR) [15] vs Viktorija Golubic (SUI)
- Alex Michelsen (USA) vs Rafael Jodar (ESP) [27]
- Alex de Minaur (AUS) [8] vs Jakub Mensik (CZE) [26]
- Peyton Stearns (USA) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI) [11]
Court 14
From 10:00am
- Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
- Solana Sierra (ARG) vs Sorana Cirstea (ROU) [18]
- Karen Khachanov [13] vs Jesper de Jong (NED)
- Maya Joint (AUS) & Hanne Vandewinkel (BEL) vs Anna Danilina (KAZ) & Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) [2]
Good morning and welcome
11:30 , Jamie Braidwood
The French Open is still in shock after the defeat of overwhelming tournament favourite Jannik Sinner, a result that blows the men’s draw wide open and leaves Novak Djokovic as the only grand slam champion remaining.
Today, Djokovic will begin his bid to make the most of that opportunity. He has a tough match against Joao Fonseca, the exciting teenager from Brazil and 28th seed. Djokovic will also be playing in the heat, which could make life difficult.
