French Open in Paris
Next big surprise: Teenager throws Djoković out
Updated May 29, 2026 – 9:08 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The record Grand Slam winner is having a hard time with top talent. In the end it gets dramatic. João Fonseca creates the sensation.
The French Open 2026 has its next big surprise after the elimination of world number one Jannik Sinner on Thursday: record Grand Slam winner Novak Djoković failed in the third round of the tournament in Paris against 19-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca. The top talent prevailed in a thrilling match after 4:53 hours with 4:6, 4:6, 6:3, 7:5, 7:5 and is in the round of 16.
This means that Alexander Zverev’s chances of winning the title have increased again. The Hamburger will play against Frenchman Quentin Halys in the evening for a place in the round of 16. Of the top five in the world rankings, only Zverev is still in the tournament.
Djoković has to make a new attempt for his dream of a 25th Grand Slam triumph. The last time he was eliminated was in the third round at Roland Garros 17 years ago. His opponent at that time was the German professional Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Fighting in 30 degree temperatures in Paris
Fonseca, who has long been considered a major talent on the tour and is ranked 30th in the world, is the first teenager ever to beat Djoković on the Grand Slam stage.
In the first two sets, Djoković played convincingly on the Philippe Chatrier court before Fonseca became bolder and got the old master going more. The three-time French Open winner had to fight in 30 degree temperatures. With the heat, the opponent, the many Brazilian fans in the stands – and also his body. He breathed heavily after long rallies and often crouched down.
Djoković barks at cameraman
Djoković was angry immediately after winning the second set when, in his opinion, a cameraman had approached him too closely. “Can you come a little closer to my face?” the Serb snapped at him: “For God’s sake, make some room.”
After losing the fourth set, Djoković disappeared into the dressing room for a toilet break. Recovering somewhat, the favorite got the break to make it 3-1, but he couldn’t confirm that in the subsequent service game. From then on, Djoković concentrated primarily on his service games, which he wanted to keep as short as possible for strength reasons. But the playful Fonseca managed the decisive break to make it 6:5. Djoković could no longer save himself in the tiebreak.
