Novak Djokovic dumped out of French Open by teenager in staggering career first

Novak Djokovic has been sent packing from the French Open by teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in a marathon five-setter.

Fonseca, 19, prevailed 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 over the 24-time grand slam winner.

AFP

The contest lasted seven minutes shy of the five-hour mark while temperatures reached 33 degrees, underlining the gruelling physical toll for both men.

Djokovic especially struggled amid the sweltering French heat, so much so he threw up next to the umpire’s chair at the start of the fifth set.

Ultimately the 39-year-old never recovered, as he slipped to defeat against a teenager at a grand slam for the first time in his glittering tennis career.

To further underline the significance of Fonseca’s feat, he became just the second person to topple Djokovic when the Serbian superstar held a two-set lead.

In fact, Djokovic had won 289 of 290 matches when he boasted a two-set lead.

Fonseca now joins Jurgen Meltzer, who accomplished the feat at the 2010 French Open, in the exclusive club of those to have pulled it back from the brink against the Serbian.

Fonseca: 39yo Djokovic ‘was more fit than me’ at the end

Given the fact his win represented somewhat of a statistical anomaly, it’s no surprise that Fonseca did not expect to emerge on top.

Speaking after the contest, Fonseca was asked about the moment he believed he could replicate Meltzer’s feat from 16 years ago.

“I actually didn’t,” Fonseca said.

“I just played and enjoy being on court.

“What a pleasure it was, what an idol, it was just a pleasure stepping on court against him.

“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could, he just doesn’t miss, we still think he’s 20.

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“I think at the end of the match he was more fit than me, it’s crazy.”

The Brazilian will next face either Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul in the fourth round at Roland Garros.

You’re Djoking

For Djokovic, the loss to Fonseca will be one he may rue for a long time given the path for a record-breaking 25th major had never been clearer.

Carlos Alcaraz was absent from the French Open having withdrawn prior to the tournament with an injury while Jannik Sinner lost his second round encounter to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

AFP

But Fonseca was not willing to allow Djokovic to move beyond his 24 grand slams, a record which he shares with Margaret Court.

With Djokovic and Sinner now eliminated coupled with Alcaraz’s enforced absence due to injury, it means there will be a first-time grand slam winner to emerge from the men’s field.