Last Updated:
Novak Djokovic falls to teenager Joao Fonseca in a five-set French Open thriller, ending his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic has been eliminated from the French Open (Picture credit: AP)
Novak Djokovic’s latest quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title was ended by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open on Friday.
The 39-year-old Serb — a three-time champion at Roland Garros — lost 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 as temperatures again reached 33 degrees C (91 F).
Djokovic looked exhausted in the fifth set but soldiered on, and his exit leaves the men’s draw even more open following Jannik Sinner’s second-round exit on Thursday.
Facing Fonseca for the first time, Djokovic mixed his trademark defence with stunning winners and delicate drop shots to win the first two sets.
But Fonseca proved resilient and tied the match in sets. In the final game, Djokovic had a break point for 6-6, but Fonseca served out with three consecutive aces.
“I just enjoyed being on court and what a pleasure it was. It is my first time stepping on court against him. I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic does not miss; we still think he is 20,” Fonseca said.
“At the end of the match I think he was fitter than me, that is crazy,” the teenager added.
Speaking about his flurry of aces, he joked: “I felt like (big server) John Isner. I never did this before.”
He then wished his mother in the crowd a happy birthday and thanked all the Brazilians in attendance.
Djokovic put ice packs on both sides of his face during changeovers. Still, he looked to be in command when he clinched the second set with a forehand volley at the net.
But Fonseca, who kept pushing Djokovic back with his big forehand, broke early in the third set and held on to it.
In the fifth set, Djokovic frantically tried to find ways to recover some energy against an opponent 20 years younger, but he could not hide his fatigue: he hunched over the advertising boards, his forearms dangling; slumped back in his chair with a towel on his head; grabbed his head with his hands.
After the final point at the net, Djokovic was impressed by and generous about Fonseca’s fighting spirit, something he himself has displayed in abundance over the years.
(With AP Inputs)
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
