Novak Djokovic (left) was the only remaining Grand Slam champion left in the men’s draw
Considering the elements at play, the encounter between Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca can only be described as a French Open classic.
Five sets. Nearly five hours. A rollercoaster of drama. An electric atmosphere. And an outcome few predicted until Fonseca fired down the decisive ace, sealing a victory for the ages.
This match resonated not only due to its sheer quality and captivating entertainment, but also because of the significant age gap between Djokovic and Fonseca.
Djokovic, 39, departed Roland Garros, acknowledging it might be his last appearance, while 19-year-old Fonseca basked in the adulation after securing what promises to be the first of many memorable Grand Slam triumphs.
With Jannik Sinner’s defeat and Carlos Alcaraz’s injury, Djokovic has witnessed a golden opportunity to claim a record-breaking 25th major title slip from his grasp.
Certainly, second seed Alexander Zverev and two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud remain contenders in that half of the draw.
However, had third seed Djokovic overcome Fonseca – as seemed plausible leading by two sets with break points at 4-3 in the fourth – he appeared poised to navigate the cooler temperatures of the following week.
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Instead, he must now regroup and prepare for Wimbledon next month.
Given his seven Wimbledon titles and the challenges younger players face on grass, Djokovic will undoubtedly fancy his chances at the All England Club.
While Djokovic can never be discounted from becoming the oldest major men’s singles champion in the Open Era, the passage of time is an ever-present factor.
In reality, he might well be enjoying retirement at this stage.
Perhaps spending time on the golf course and exploring coaching opportunities like Andy Murray, or engaging in a promotional tour for a new Netflix documentary like Rafael Nadal.
While his long-time rivals transition to the next phase, Djokovic was visibly struggling on the court, striving to summon the energy to defeat a teenager.
It is a testament to his extraordinary resilience that he continues to push himself to such extremes against younger opponents.
As demonstrated repeatedly, Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of major titles remains undiminished.
However, after reaching at least the semi-finals in the past five Grand Slams, this result offered the clearest indication yet that age is finally taking its toll.
Djokovic appeared in command after winning the first two sets but could not maintain his level as Fonseca demonstrated his undeniable talent.
“It would be nice if it was best-of-three,” Djokovic quipped.
“I just ran out of gas, to be honest. I didn’t feel good at all on the court in the next couple of sets.”
Djokovic has consistently excelled in the best-of-five format of major tournaments, overcoming nearly every opponent for the better part of two decades.
The exceptions include Sinner, Alcaraz, and the muscle injury that forced his withdrawal against Zverev at the previous year’s Australian Open.
Otherwise, opponents have lacked the skill or mental fortitude to defeat the veteran Djokovic.
Djokovic had already spent nearly seven hours on court – requiring four sets to defeat French players Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Valentin Royer – before another five-hour battle against Fonseca.
Djokovic has consistently asserted his ability to defeat anyone when playing near his peak.
Therefore, his admission in the Roland Garros media center – shortly after the match against Fonseca – was particularly telling.
“I think the level was really good. I was happy with my level,” said Djokovic, competing in only his third event since losing to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in January.
“I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong with my game. It’s just that he was just better.”
Like most tennis observers, Djokovic has long recognized Fonseca’s potential to reach the highest levels.
Djokovic revealed as early as last year’s Australian Open that he was already among Fonseca’s growing admirers, despite the Brazilian teenager making his Grand Slam main-draw debut there.
In their first competitive encounter, Djokovic experienced firsthand just how talented he is.
Fonseca’s most formidable weapon is his powerful forehand, leaving opponents defeated and spectators awestruck.
While this was evident on Court Philippe Chatrier, his ability to demonstrate a more refined approach as victory neared was arguably more impressive.
Fonseca recognized Djokovic’s physical decline on another warm Paris evening, displaying the composure to execute the right shots at crucial moments, inflicting significant damage.
If the consistency of his groundstrokes was the jab, the finesse of his dropshot was the body blow. The power of his serve – delivering three aces from a break down to secure victory – proved the knockout punch.
“I think we all saw today why there is hype around him,” said Djokovic.
“He played lights-out tennis.”
This was the moment the thousands of exuberant Brazilians inside Chatrier – and those who have followed tournaments for the past two years – had eagerly awaited.
Fonseca was born in 2006 – Djokovic reached the French Open quarter-finals for the first time earlier that year
Queues have regularly formed outside courts where Fonseca has played, from Melbourne to Miami, Roland Garros to Rio de Janeiro.
Only two players from the South American nation – Maria Bueno and Gustavo Kuerten – have won major singles titles.
Kuerten was the last Brazilian man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy when he claimed his third French Open title in 2001.
The fans who created pockets of green and gold – wearing Brazil football shirts and waving national flags – celebrated euphorically and chanted Fonseca’s name after his long-awaited landmark win.
Now, Brazilians are dreaming that Fonseca will emulate Kuerten and win the Coupe des Mousquetaires next weekend.
While fanciful, given he has reached the last 16 of a major for the first time, it is not impossible, considering the men’s draw continues to open up.
Djokovic’s exit guarantees a first-time Grand Slam champion, following the unexpected departure of favorite Sinner on Thursday.
Someone will capitalize. In retrospect, Djokovic may feel it should have been him.
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