Joao Fonseca is far from reaching the limits as dream run ends in French Open quarter-finals

Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca insists he has yet to discover the absolute limits of his game or his body, despite his fairytale run at the French Open coming to an end at the hands of a cool Jakub Menšík on Tuesday.

In a much-anticipated battle of breakout stars under the Court Philippe-Chatrier roof that marked the youngest Roland Garros men’s quarter-final since 2006, when Rafael Nadal played Novak Djokovic, Menšík eventually emerged victorious. The 20-year-old Czech history-maker booked his first ever Grand Slam semifinal spot with a commanding 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) victory.

Menšík thus bypassed legendary compatriot Ivan Lendl and became the youngest Czech to reach the last four at a major since 1981. He now advances against tournament favorite Alexander Zverev.

French Open Day 10: The best

FONSECA REMAINS DEFYANT

Nineteen-year-old Fonseca, despite falling in straight sets, left Paris with his head held high. After arriving at the clay major with serious concerns from a recent injury, a giant killer run that included a stunning win over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud far exceeded his expectations.

“After a little injury, without any expectations from this tournament and a great run, it’s a positive week,” Fonseca told reporters. “This tournament gives me more belief and confidence to continue and certainly a little more understanding of (my) body and my limits.”

“I have never seen my limit yet, but I already know that I can be fine with my physique,” added the Brazilian. “I think it’s more comfortable for my game, the way I play, that my mentality is on the right track… Maybe it’s the same Joao, but looking for new things.”

Fonseca refused to blame his own performance for the outing and fully praised Mensik. “His serve is amazing,” Fonseca said. “The most important thing is that he knows how to play in important moments. He’s not afraid. I didn’t play badly today. It was his merit.”

MENSIK WAITING OUT THE STORM

For Mensik, the win caps off a tough fortnight. Just days after collapsing from exhaustion on the red clay after a steamy second-round match, the cool evening after the rain suited him perfectly.

The junior comfortably strengthened his grip on the match by securing individual breaks midway through the first and second sets, using his basic defense as a wall to frustrate the teenager.

However, the third set erupted into drama. Spurred on by a loud crowd of adoring Brazilian fans, Fonseca fought back fiercely and served at 5-4.

Menšík, who mentored Djokovic during his junior years, was able to make an immediate comeback but faced an immense test of nerves. The Czech missed six match points before finally closing out the match in a quality tiebreak.

“The last match and the tiebreak was one of my best performances so far,” said Menšík in his on-court interview. “A couple of match points where I didn’t know if the ball was out or in… It was really hard to stay focused until the end and I’m really glad I was able to come back in the tiebreak and push my game forward a bit.”

“Joao is a great guy and a great competitor,” added Mensik. “Before the match, I knew it was going to be tough. We started off a little nervous and at the end of the match, some incredible shots fell.”

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

While Mensik prepares for a sensational semi-final clash, Fonseca is already looking forward to the upcoming grass season, strengthened by the knowledge that his body and mind belong on tennis’ biggest stages.

“I’m looking forward to the reset,” Fonseca concluded. “Go back home, enjoy a little time with the family, and then go on the next swing again.”

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

03 Jun 2026 08:54 IST