French Open: Joao Fonseca handed Novak Djokovic’s win the perfect birthday present for mum
Joao Fonseca couldn’t have delivered a more perfect birthday present for his mother when he defeated Novak Djokovic in an epic five-set match at the 2026 French Open. At one point, Fonseca was able to stun the former world number one and was down two sets. to win the match 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 and booked his place in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
FRENCH OPEN DAY 6 MAIN
An ecstatic Fonseca shared his emotions after the biggest win of his career and chose to pay tribute to his mother, who was present in the crowd and pulled him through every point.
“I have to make my mom’s day first. Happy birthday mom, thank you so much,” Fonseca said.
As the match progressed, the Brazilian supporters began to chant and it proved to be the extra motivation Fonseca needed to pull off the upset.
The 19-year-old took time out to pay tribute to them, urging them to be with him during his journey to Roland Garros.
“Thank you to the whole Brazilian crowd. Thank you Brazil! We keep going, we believed and now we’re in the fourth round. Let’s go all out from here. Thank you!” Fonseca said.
FONSECA PAYS TRIBUTE TO DJOKOVIC
Fonseca used his brute strength to overcome Djokovic, hitting 11 aces in the match. The Brazilian said his aim was to hit the ball as hard as he could but was impressed by the Serbian’s class.
“I didn’t think about (changing the terms),” Fonseca said. “I just tried to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean Djokovic, he just doesn’t miss. We still think he’s 20. At the end of the match I think he was fitter than me, it’s crazy.”
“But I felt as the day wore on, it was a little slower and it was better for me because I could produce a little more power. I was struggling a little bit with the heat at the beginning because I touched the ball and it just went. Then I felt better,” Fonseca said.
The Brazilian will face either Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul in the next round.
– The end
Published on:
30 May 2026 04:00 IST