Novak Djokovic said he doesn’t know if he will be back at the French Open after praising Joao Fonseca for ending his bid for a record 25th grand slam title with an extraordinary comeback from two sets down.
Following the shock exit of favourite Jannik Sinner yesterday and with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury, the 39-year-old Djokovic faced a golden opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title with his two biggest rivals removed from his path.
He led the Brazilian 28th seed by two sets, but the 19-year-old Fonseca launched a thrilling fight-back to extend the battle and drag Djokovic into a decider where, for only the second time in his career, Djokovic lost at a grand slam after leading by two sets.
It means a new men’s grand slam champion will be crowned in Paris this fortnight and Djokovic refused to discuss the opportunity that had slipped through his fingers after waiting patiently for this sort of chance.
Djokovic, who said he “ran out of gas”, admitted Fonseca was too good: “Incredible match to be part of. Tough one for me to lose being two sets to love up. But huge credit for Joao for really deserving to win the match. He without a doubt was the better player in the important moments.”
Follow the reaction from an immense upset, below:
French Open: Latest scores and updates on day five
- Novak Djokovic crashes out of French Open from two sets up in stunning upset
- Joao Fonseca, 19, pulls off best win of career to beat Djokovic in almost five hours
- Djokovic after defeat: 'I don't know' if this will be my last Roland Garros
- Verdict: Why end of Djokovic’s French Open dream signals the start of a new era
- There will be a new first-time grand slam champion at this year's men's French Open
Why end of Novak Djokovic’s French Open dream signals the start of a new era
12:00 , Jamie Braidwood
It was the opportunity Novak Djokovic had been waiting for. Jannik Sinner was on his way home before the third round. Carlos Alcaraz was absent, unable to defend his French Open title. At 39 and with his chances of winning a record 25th grand slam singles title running out, Djokovic’s two biggest rivals, who between them had won the last nine major titles and ended his quest at the last four consecutive attempts, had been cleared from his path. As the men’s draw in Paris was blown wide open, Djokovic was the only grand slam champion remaining in the tournament.
But then Djokovic’s dream of grand slam history was ripped up by the arrival of a new star.
Why end of Novak Djokovic’s French Open dream signals the start of a new era
French Open order of play - Day 7
11:51 , Jack Rathborn
Court SUZANNE-LENGLEN
Day session
Jovic (17) v Osaka (16)
Sabalenka (1) v Kasatkina
Kouame v Tabilo
Faria v Tiafoe (19)
French Open order of play - Day 7
11:36 , Jack Rathborn
Court PHILIPPE-CHATRIER
Day session
Cobolli (10) v Tien (18)
Parry v Anisimova (6)
Gauff (4) v Potapova (28)
Night session
Auger-Aliassime (4) v Nakashima (31)
Joao Fonseca 'didn't believe' he could beat Novak Djokovic
11:23 , Jack Rathborn
“I actually didn’t believe I could win the match, I just played and enjoyed being in the court,” Joao Fonseca says.
“What an idol we have and what a pleasure it was to step on the court against him so I thank him, I am very happy.
“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could, I mean Djokovic doesn’t miss and we still think he’s 20.
“At the end of the match he was more fit than me which is crazy and when the day was getting darker, I felt much slower. In the beginning, I was struggling with the heat and not feeling good.
“I just believed I could do aces, it was crazy. I have never done that before I am super happy that I could finish like this.”
Novak Djokovic on fitness issues in the fifth: 'I ran out of gas'
11:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“I just I ran out of gas to be honest. I didn't feel good at all on the court in the last couple sets. I think the end of the fourth was my chance
“He just played really good points. He was attacking. Big serves. When I when I look back at the important moments, could I have done something different? You can always say yes. But you just have to say well done and congratulate him. Hats off. I mean, he just played lights out tennis every time there was a decisive moment.”
Tennis world reacts after Spanish star Rafael Jodar accused of pushing ball girl at French Open
10:30 , Jack Rathborn
The tennis world has reacted after Spanish star Rafael Jodar strongly refuted pushing a ball girl after footage emerged from his French Open third-round win.
As Jodar was seen between sets in his five-set win over American Alex Michelsen, with the viral footage showing him throwing a water bottle into his box as a ball girl walked across his path.
The footage was inconclusive, though the girl briefly lost her standing before regaining her balance, with the 19-year-old rejecting any accusation that he made contact.
"I didn’t touch her," Jodar strongly stated. "No, no, no. I could never do that."
But others defended Jodar and pointed to the tarp at the back of the court, with former ATP pro Chris Eubanks noting: “The girl tripped on the tarp. The angle makes it look like he pushed her but to me, it’s very clear she tripped on the tarp trying to get out of his way.”
Tennis world reacts after Spanish Rafael Jodar star accused of pushing ball girl
Novak Djokovic backs Joao Fonseca to win grand slam titles
10:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“He definitely has the potential to do that. Things have to come together and of course he's very professional from what I've seen so far in the last couple years he's been on the tour.
“The talent he's got, the firepower he's got, the whole Brazilian nation you cheering him on. T here's a lot of excitement around him and rightfully so. Hopefully he can be the the next great thing and win slams.
“I told him he deserved to win and he played an unbelievable match and he should be proud of himself. I wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament.
“The kind of tennis we’ve seen him play created a lot of hype around him. We all saw today why there’s hype around him. The level was amazing.”
Novak Djokovic: 'I don't know if this will be my last Roland Garros'
09:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said he “doesn’t know” if he will be back at the French Open next year, when he will be 40. He said the same thing last year, when he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
He also refused to discuss the opportunity of winning a 25th grand slam title with Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz out of the way, shutting down the question while it was being asked.
Novak Djokovic congratulates Joao Fonseca on five-set French Open victory
08:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“Incredible match to be part of. Tough one for me to lose being two sets to love up. But huge credit for Joao for really deserving to win the match. He without a doubt was the better player in the important moments, in those crucial 4th and 5th… some amazing exchanges and points and he just found incredible shots, lines. It was just amazing from his side. Obviously not great for me to be facing a player playing such a level. I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong with my game. He was just better.”
Joao Fonseca: 'I just believed I could do aces... I felt like John Isner!'
07:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Joao Fonseca is asked how he believed he could beat Novak Djokovic from two sets down...
“I actually didn't. I just played. I just enjoyed being in court. What a pleasure it was. I mean, what an idol we have, and it's a pleasure just stepping on the court against him. It's my first time stepping on the court against him.
“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean, Djokovic is....You just don't miss. We still think he's 20, so... amazing. I think at the end of the match, I think he was more fit than me.
“It's crazy, but I felt when when the day was getting darker, I felt much slower and for me it was better because I could produce a little bit more power for sure.
“In the beginning, I mean I was still struggling a little bit with the heat because the ball was like just... I touched the ball and the ball goes, so I was not feeling very good, and then after I felt better and to finish.
“I just believed I could do aces and I felt like John Isner, but it was crazy... I didn't know... I never did that before and and I was just super happy that I could finish like this.”
Believe it, Joao 🧡#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/7l0YqMAZFb
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2026
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
05:00 , Kieran Jackson
Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open in the second round on Thursday after dramatically cramping, one game away from winning the match.
The world No 1, and the overwhelming favourite to win the men’s singles title, was two sets and 5-1 to the good against Argentine player Juan Manuel Cerundolo, when he suffered a physical breakdown.
Barely moving, Sinner eventually called for the trainer and said he “wanted to vomit.” The Italian continued, but won only two more games as Cerundolo completed one of the biggest shocks in Grand Slam history.
It means Sinner’s dream of completing the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros – having had three championship points in his historic final defeat against Carlos Alcaraz last year – is over for another year. He hinted afterwards he will now take a break and won’t compete until Wimbledon on 29 June.
Yet what are the heat rules in place? And what did Sinner say afterwards?
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
Roland-Garros 2026: Order of Play — Saturday 30 May
04:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Court Philippe-CHATRIER
From 11:00 BST
- Flavio Cobolli (ITA) [10] vs. Learner Tien (USA) [18]
- Diane Parry (FRA) vs. Amanda Anisimova (USA) [6]
- Coco Gauff (USA) [4] vs. Anastasia Potapova (AUT) [28]
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) [4] vs. Brandon Nakashima (USA) [31]
Court Suzanne-LENGLEN
From 10:00 BST
- Iva Jovic (USA) [17] vs. Naomi Osaka (JPN) [16]
- Aryna Sabalenka (---) [1] vs. Daria Kasatkina (AUS)
- Moise Kouame (FRA) vs. Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)
- Jaime Faria (POR) vs. Frances Tiafoe (USA) [19]
Court Simonne-MATHIEU
From 10:00 BST
- Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs. Maja Chwalinska (POL)
- Matteo Berrettini (ITA) vs. Francisco Comesana (ARG)
- Victoria Mboko (CAN) [9] vs. Madison Keys (USA) [19]
Court 14
From 10:00 BST
- Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) [25] vs. Zachary Svajda (USA)
- Anna Kalinskaya (---) [22] vs. Camila Osorio (COL)
- Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) vs. Raphael Collignon (BEL)
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo facing significant fine for ‘sexist remarks’ about female French Open umpire
03:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo is facing a "significant sanction" from French Open organisers after suggesting his second-round match should not have been umpired by a woman.
Following his five-set defeat, Vallejo was quoted by Clay magazine as saying: "This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man, it’s very difficult for a woman to do it."
Tournament organisers swiftly condemned the remarks on Friday, issuing a strong statement that deemed Vallejo’s comments "unacceptable".
French Open tennis player facing significant fine for ‘sexist remarks’ about umpire
Spanish tennis star Rafael Jodar denies pushing ball girl during dramatic French Open win
02:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar has vehemently denied pushing a ball girl during his third-round victory at the French Open, an incident that sparked debate after footage circulated online.
The moment, captured between sets of his match against American Alex Michelsen on Friday, showed Jodar throwing a water bottle into his box just as a ball girl walked into his path. While social media footage appeared inconclusive, the girl momentarily lost her footing before regaining balance.
Jodar was quick to dismiss any suggestion of contact.
Spanish tennis star Rafael Jodar denies pushing ball girl during French Open win
French Open: Today's men's singles results
01:00 , Jamie Braidwood
- Andrey Rublev (11), Russia, def. Nuno Borges, Portugal, 7-5, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2).
- Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain, def. Thiago Agustin Tirante, Argentina, 7-6 (0), 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
- Rafael Jodar (27), Spain, def. Alex Michelsen, United States, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
- Jakub Mensik (26), Czechia, def. Alex de Minaur (8), Australia, 0-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
- Jesper De Jong, Netherlands, def. Karen Khachanov (13), Russia, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-2.
- Joao Fonseca (28), Brazil, def. Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.
- Casper Ruud (15), Norway, def. Tommy Paul (24), United States, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 7-5.
- Alexander Zverev (2), Germany, def. Quentin Halys, France, 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.
French Open: Today's women's singles results
Saturday 30 May 2026 00:00 , Jamie Braidwood
- Marta Kostyuk (15), Ukraine, def. Viktorija Golubic, Switzerland, 6-4, 6-3.
- Wang Xiyu, China, def. Yuliia Starodubtseva, Ukraine, 6-3, 7-5.
- Iga Swiatek (3), Poland, def. Magda Linette, Poland, 6-4, 6-4.
- Mirra Andreeva (8), Russia, def. Marie Bouzkova (27), Czechia, 6-4, 6-2.
- Sorana Cirstea (18), Romania, def. Solana Sierra, Argentina, 6-0, 6-0.
- Jil Teichmann, Switzerland, def. Karolina Muchova (10), Czechia, 6-1, 7-5.
- Elina Svitolina (7), Ukraine, def. Tamara Korpatsch, Germany, 6-2, 6-3.
- Belinda Bencic (11), Switzerland, def. Peyton Stearns, United States, 6-3, 6-3.
Who on earth is winning this French Open?
Friday 29 May 2026 23:02 , Jamie Braidwood
A new grand slam champion will be crowned at this year’s French Open after Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner were knocked out on consecutive days to blow the tournament apart.
A day after overwhelming pre-tournament favourite Sinner collapsed from two sets up, Djokovic suffered the same fate as the 39-year-old was stunned by the brilliance of Joao Fonseca.
Between them, Sinner, Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev have combined to win every men’s grand slam title since the start of 2021. But all four are now out of contention in Paris.
Alcaraz was unable to defend his title due to a wrist injury, with the Spaniard also set to miss Wimbledon, and an unexpected name is now confirmed to follow him.
Additionally, for the first time in the Open era, the last-16 will start without a former grand slam champion in the draw. Here, we look at the contenders in the men’s French Open.
Who is winning the French Open? Ranking the first-time grand slam champion contenders
Updated French Open men’s and women’s seed list and tracker
Friday 29 May 2026 22:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic lost from two sets up to exit the French Open against teenager Joao Fonseca in an extraordinary upset, which means a new men’s grand slam champion will be crowned in Paris this fortnight.
Following the shock exit of favourite Jannik Sinner and with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury, the 39-year-old Djokovic faced a golden opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title with his two biggest rivals removed from his path.
There are now only three top-10 seeds left in the draw...
French Open men’s and women’s seed list and tracker
Casper Ruud saves match points to beat Tommy Paul in another thriller
Friday 29 May 2026 22:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Casper Ruud! What a performance and comeback from the former French Open runner-up. From two sets down, and from match point down in the fourth set, the Norwegian fights back to beat Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-5 in four hours and 43 minutes. An incredible victory.
He will play Joao Fonseca next. That’s another cracker, in a loaded quarter of the draw.
Why end of Novak Djokovic’s French Open dream signals the start of a new era
Friday 29 May 2026 22:11 , Jamie Braidwood
It was the opportunity Novak Djokovic had been waiting for. Jannik Sinner was on his way home before the third round. Carlos Alcaraz was absent, unable to defend his French Open title. At 39 and with his chances of winning a record 25th grand slam singles title running out, Djokovic’s two biggest rivals, who between them had won the last nine major titles and ended his quest at the last four consecutive attempts, had been cleared from his path. As the men’s draw in Paris was blown wide open, Djokovic was the only grand slam champion remaining in the tournament.
But then Djokovic’s dream of grand slam history was ripped up by the arrival of a new star.
Why end of Novak Djokovic’s French Open dream signals the start of a new era
Novak Djokovic: 'I don't know if this will be my last Roland Garros'
Friday 29 May 2026 21:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said he “doesn’t know” if he will be back at the French Open next year, when he will be 40. He said the same thing last year, when he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
He also refused to discuss the opportunity of winning a 25th grand slam title with Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz out of the way, shutting down the question while it was being asked.
Novak Djokovic backs Joao Fonseca to win grand slam titles
Friday 29 May 2026 21:33 , Jamie Braidwood
“He definitely has the potential to do that. Things have to come together and of course he's very professional from what I've seen so far in the last couple years he's been on the tour.
“The talent he's got, the firepower he's got, the whole Brazilian nation you cheering him on. T here's a lot of excitement around him and rightfully so. Hopefully he can be the the next great thing and win slams.
“I told him he deserved to win and he played an unbelievable match and he should be proud of himself. I wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament.
“The kind of tennis we’ve seen him play created a lot of hype around him. We all saw today why there’s hype around him. The level was amazing.”
Novak Djokovic on fitness issues in the fifth: 'I ran out of gas'
Friday 29 May 2026 21:23 , Jamie Braidwood
“I just I ran out of gas to be honest. I didn't feel good at all on the court in the last couple sets. I think the end of the fourth was my chance
“He just played really good points. He was attacking. Big serves. When I when I look back at the important moments, could I have done something different? You can always say yes. But you just have to say well done and congratulate him. Hats off. I mean, he just played lights out tennis every time there was a decisive moment.”
Novak Djokovic congratulates Joao Fonseca on five-set French Open victory
Friday 29 May 2026 21:20 , Jamie Braidwood
“Incredible match to be part of. Tough one for me to lose being two sets to love up. But huge credit for Joao for really deserving to win the match. He without a doubt was the better player in the important moments, in those crucial 4th and 5th… some amazing exchanges and points and he just found incredible shots, lines. It was just amazing from his side. Obviously not great for me to be facing a player playing such a level. I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong with my game. He was just better.”
French Open: Can Alexander Zverev take this opportunity?
Friday 29 May 2026 21:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev is the new favourite to win the French Open. The German has reached three grand slam finals, losing to Dominic Thiem at the US Open in 2020, Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open in 2024 and Jannik Sinner at the US Open in 2025.
The second seed is on court now, following Novak Djokovic’s shock defeat, and is an early break up on Quentin Halys, the Frenchman.
Joao Fonseca wishes his mum Happy Birthday
Friday 29 May 2026 20:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca finished his victory speech by doing two things: he remembered his mum’s birthday! And he greeted his fans in Brazilian. What a brilliant connection he has with those fans, who are so, so loud.
Fonseca has also won from two-sets down for the second match in a row. He beat Dino Prizmic in five-sets, then beat Djokovic in four hours and 53 minutes. Extraordinary.
French Open: No former grand slam champions in last-16
Friday 29 May 2026 20:39 , Jamie Braidwood
According to Opta, this is the first time in the Open era where a former men’s grand slam winner has not reached the last-16.
This French Open is unprecedented.
Novak Djokovic loses from two sets up for only the second time
Friday 29 May 2026 20:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Before today, Novak Djokovic had won 209 matches at the grand slams from two sets up.
His only defeat came to Jurgen Melzer in the 2010 French Open quarter-finals.
Joao Fonseca is only the second player, in 211 attempts, to beat Djokovic from two sets down.
Joao Fonseca: 'I just believed I could do aces... I felt like John Isner!'
Friday 29 May 2026 20:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Joao Fonseca is asked how he believed he could beat Novak Djokovic from two sets down...
“I actually didn't. I just played. I just enjoyed being in court. What a pleasure it was. I mean, what an idol we have, and it's a pleasure just stepping on the court against him. It's my first time stepping on the court against him.
“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean, Djokovic is....You just don't miss. We still think he's 20, so... amazing. I think at the end of the match, I think he was more fit than me.
“It's crazy, but I felt when when the day was getting darker, I felt much slower and for me it was better because I could produce a little bit more power for sure.
“In the beginning, I mean I was still struggling a little bit with the heat because the ball was like just... I touched the ball and the ball goes, so I was not feeling very good, and then after I felt better and to finish.
“I just believed I could do aces and I felt like John Isner, but it was crazy... I didn't know... I never did that before and and I was just super happy that I could finish like this.”
There will be a new men's grand slam champion at this French Open
Friday 29 May 2026 20:04 , Jamie Braidwood
No Djokovic.
No Sinner.
No Alcaraz.
No Medvedev.
The only players since Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired to win the grand slam titles.
Someone is going to win a grand slam for the first time this fortnight. Alexander Zverev? Joao Fonseca?
Novak Djokovic waves goodbye to the French Open
Friday 29 May 2026 20:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic waves farewell to Roland Garros. Will he be back next year, at the age of 40? Will he get a better chance to win another grand slam?
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-7 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:59 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s unbelievable. The French Open is blown WIDE OPEN. AGAIN.
Fonseca breaks into the widest smile. He ruffles his hair. He has no idea what to do! He falls into Djokovic’s arms at the net. Djokovic slaps his opponent on the back, a touch of class.
Fonseca pats his heart. He showed plenty of that. But Djokovic’s dream of a 25th grand slam title has been denied, again, and in a tournament where Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz aren’t here.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-7 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:56 , Jamie Braidwood
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!
BACK TO BACK ACES FROM FONSECA.
HE BEATS DJOKOVIC.
FROM TWO SETS DOWN!
TENNIS HAS A NEW STAR!
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca keeps to the plan: if it sits up on the forehand, go for it. He cracks a winner but then finds the net and will face 30-30.
Oh that’s a tight shot! Djokovic scrambled to his right and kept the point alive. Fonseca had the court to aim for, but goes long!
BREAK POINT, this to take it into a tiebreak! BUT FONSECA FINDS THE ACE OUT WIDE.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:53 , Jamie Braidwood
The crowd is going mental as Fonseca steps out to serve for the win.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:51 , Jamie Braidwood
I keep writing WOW but Fonseca keeps producing magic moments! He races to meet a Djokovic volley and flicks the winner down the line on the opening point of the 11th game. Then he scrambles to Djokovic’s drop shot and produces a masterful touch to flick the volley crosscourt. 0-30.
WOOOOOOW. Fonseca then pulls out the drop shot and leaves Djokovic stranded at the back of the court! Three break points, after three inspired moments, to take a huge step towards the upset.
Djokovic saves the first. A half-volley flicked away. Clever! Djokovic wrong-foots Fonseca with the serve-volley, putting the volley behind his opponent. Can he get out of trouble here?
BUT FONSECA DOES IT! He finds the drop shot again and that could be the final blow! Djokovic shakes his head. Fonseca gulps air and tries to stay calm. But the biggest moment of his life is coming up.
He will serve for the match.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-5 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:46 , Jamie Braidwood
WOW! Pressure, what pressure? Fonseca blasts a forehand winner crosscourt but then shows immense grit to reach the Djokovic drop shot and flick back a brilliant lob. Djokovic, bent over again between the points, goes for broke but thrashes the return into the net.
5-5.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 5-4 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca... wow, wow you have delivered a performance tonight. The teenager jumps into the backhand return winner. Djokovic, though, takes a big step towards the fourth round by getting his first serves and play and avoiding long exchanges.
Although Fonseca skips a forehand winner, Djokovic raises the bar: a backhand winner is a moment of magic and it gets him the hold. Now Djokovic, with his head bowed, will need to summon one last burst of energy and put the pressure on Fonseca.
The 19-year-old will need to serve to stay in the match.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 4-4 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca skips through a comfortable hold, immediately throwing it back to Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 4-3 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:34 , Jamie Braidwood
BIG HOLD! Somehow, Djokovic manages to defend not one, not two but three huge forehand blows from Fonseca, clinging on. But he gets up to Fonseca’s volley and flashes the backhand winner. He raises his arms but then collapses into his chair. This looks like an almighty struggle for Djokovic.
It is only the third round.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-3 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh my goodness. Fonseca is going full Alcaraz. He has Philippe-Chatrier on its feet and is not missing a ball, painting the lines with back-to-back forehand winners to get to 0-30.
Djokovic comes into the net... and sticks the volley. He produces the big serve and Fonseca’s floated return drifts long. Fonseca then nets on the forehand.
Wow. Fonseca extends the point and locks into a brutal rally before firing the forehand winner crosscourt! Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-3 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca is surging. A forehand winner screeching past Djokovic. An ace. A love-hold.
Djokovic is in big, big trouble against this thrilling opponent, and his own body.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-2 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:24 , Jamie Braidwood
More trouble for Djokovic! Fonseca isn’t going anywhere and Djokovic slumps a forehand into the net and has to look at two break-back points on 15-40. Djokovic takes a long stare at the mark after his serve lands out. Fonseca goes big to the Djokovic backhand and gets his reward! WOW! He breaks back immediately.
He grits his teeth and clenches his fist. He is not backing away from this challenge! Djokovic covers his face with his towel. Wow he is being pushed to his absolute limits.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 3-1 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:19 , Jamie Braidwood
All of a sudden, Djokovic gets his opportunity! Djokovic makes the passing shot after Fonseca comes into the net. Then, on 0-30, Fonseca floats a shot long after Djokovic steadied on the baseline.
Three break points. Djokovic needs just one. He locks in, pushes Fonseca deep, and sticks a stunning drop-volley. Djokovic, though, looks in discomfort as he goes to his towel box and bends over the sideboard as if he’s going to be sick.
But he gets the break. Can Fonseca fight back again?
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 2-1 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:13 , Jamie Braidwood
There is, understandably, a bit of a lull. Djokovic takes a deep breath as Fonseca misses on the backhand crosscourt. He appears to stretch his legs as he returns to his seat at the change of ends.
Even if Djokovic wins this, Fonseca has significantly harmed his chances of going all the way in Paris by taking him the full distance. It would leave Djokovic at risk of “running out of gas” much earlier than usual.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 1-1 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic, breathing heavily, is looking to shorten the points. But Fonseca holds to love. And looks the better play right now.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 1-0 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 19:06 , Jamie Braidwood
A grimacing Djokovic holds to start the fifth set. We have passed the four-hour mark and this will be a test of endurance as well as tennis. Fonseca, incidentally, won his second-round match against Dino Prizmic from two sets down. He’s going the distance again.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 0-0 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 19:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Is the only grand slam champion left in the men’s draw about to go out? Is Djokovic going to keep his bid for 25 alive? We’re about to find out.
Djokovic is shaking out his shoulder and wrist, as he did at the start of the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic did not want to go to five sets. He did not want to go to four hours and more. He has never lost to a teenager at a grand slam. He has only lost from two sets up once and that was 16 years ago at the 2010 French Open, against Jurgen Melzer.
Joao Fonseca is living up to the hype and is creating a classic. Whatever happens from here, tennis has a star on its hands in the Brazilian, that’s for sure.
Djokovic has gone off court to prepare himself for the fifth. Remember, Jannik Sinner is out. Carlos Alcaraz is injured. But he’s facing a dangerous player in Fonseca and he is proving to be a big, big danger to his hopes of winning a 25th grand slam title.
FOURTH SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow. Three hours and 48 minutes in and Joao Fonseca is hitting shots like this! He rips another forehand winner, at 106mph, crosscourt and it flashes past Djokovic.
Fonseca, though, will have to do this the hard way as he nets to bring up 15-30. Djokovic is digging in. Fonseca finds a lovely wide serve, creating a brilliant angle, and smashes away the winner.
30-30. Fonseca comes up with the volley! He pushed Djokovic deep then advanced to bring up SET POINT! DJOKOVIC GOES LONG AND WE’RE GOING TO FIVE!
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-6 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 18:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Strange shot from Djokovic to leave a ball sitting in mid-court. Fonseca steps in to put away the winner and get to 15-30.
Djokovic has game point, but Fonseca forces him to hit off-balance and he commits the error to get to deuce.
But Fonseca rips the forehand down the line to bring up break point, leaving Djokovic stranded! FONSECA BLASTS THROUGH DJOKOVIC!
HE’S A GAME AWAY FROM A FIFTH SET!
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Some nerves showing from Fonseca as he leaves a second-serve short and Djokovic pummels the return to get to 30-30 and two points away from the fourth round.
WOW! Fonseca launches into a backhand winner and paints the line, roaring after the winner! Huge shot at a clutch time - electrifying! Djokovic, though, rips the backhand volley to get to deuce.
Fonseca, though, finds a big first serve and gets through a testing game. Djokovic continues to vent to his box.
Break points saved! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 5-4 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 18:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca rips another forehand winner and Djokovic, breathing heavily now between points, blunders on the baseline exchange to bring another break point. Djokovic saves with a pinpoint ace onto the centre line. Fonseca shakes his head in disbelief...
Big hold! Up to Fonseca to hold serve to stay in the match...
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-4 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic covers his face with his hands after pushing a crosscourt backhand long! Fonseca feels the momentum, and the moment. It’s 15-30.
Djokovic responds with a steely backhand winner down the line. The ball sits up for Fonseca, and he pounds the winner to bring up break point!
Fonseca nets on the crosscourt backhand! Djokovic digs in and Fonseca whacks his racket off the clay in frustration.
Deuce.
Break points saved! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-4 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Four points in a row from 15-40 down to hold! With big-time tennis!
Huge serving and destructive forehands. Big hold.
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-3 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 18:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Ooooh Fonseca did not need to go for this shot! Down 15-30, he goes for the big inside-out forehand down the line but finds the net, giving Djokovic two break points.
Djokovic had the chance to pass on the backhand but nets and buckles over his knees, panting and mopping his face with a towel. He really, really does not want five sets.
HUGE from Fonseca! He throws himself into the forehand to save the second break point with a thumping winner. We’re going to deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 3-3 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca roars “come on!” as Djokovic pushes the backhand crosscourt long and the Brazilian holds. Djokovic has managed to subdue the teenager’s charge slightly, but this fourth set remains in the balance.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 2-2 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic tempts Fonseca into a lapse of concentration with a deep, looping ball to his forehand. Then, on 30-30, Djokovic finds the baseline and brings another miss from Fonseca, who was off-balance. Djokovic senses his moment. He jumps into the return and keeps it low, skidding to the backhand. Fonseca can’t pick it up and Djokovic breaks back to level the fourth!
Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 1-2 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 17:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca is the player coming up with the show-stoppers here. He reads a Djokovic forehand and guides the backhand winner down the line. But Djokovic, after shooting a long glare at the photographers, holds serve.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-2 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca looks around anxiously for the call but manages to stick a tricky volley onto the baseline. He consolidates the break and shakes his racket. He believes! Djokovic faces an almighty challenge to wriggle out of this and avoid being dragged to a fifth set.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-1 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 17:47 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is hanging on... He is pushed deep by Fonseca’s mighty backhand strike down the line and his return doens’t clear the tape. He takes a long time over the serve... and is given a time violation warning!
🚨 Fonseca breaks! He pushes Djokovic deep again with another big strike and Djokovic, off balance, hits long of the baseline! Wow. Fonseca breaks to lead the fourth.
Break points saved! Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-0 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh my word! Djokovic suddenly stretches out his shoulder and palm after Fonseca wins the first point... and then it becomes three break points as Fonseca shoots a forehand down the line and Djokovic can’t respond!
Djokovic takes a big breath after saving the first, with Fonseca missing. The Brazilian then strikes the net with the forehand return, looking for the down-the-line winner.
It sits up for Fonseca to strike... but Djokovic somehow reads it and puts the forehand back down the line despite being off balance! Wow, that’s a big moment. Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 0-0 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:37 , Jamie Braidwood
So we’ve played two-and-a-half hours. If Djokovic wins this set it’ll go to around three-and-a-half , if Fonseca wins it and forces a fifth we’ll be going to at least four hours.
Every minute counts for the 39-year-old Djokovic. Here’s what he said after being taken to a fourth set by Valentin Royer on Thursday.
“Reasonably long,” Djokovic said in response to a question that suggested he had avoided playing a long match. “When you play a three-and-a-half hour match on clay, it's long and very exhausting. At least in my opinion.
“So physically (I) spent quite a bit of energy today on a very hot day. Very challenging conditions. It was obviously my fault I didn't finish in straight sets, because I broke up twice in the third match point.”
Here we go... set number four.
THIRD SET! *Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Tense moments for Fonseca as he serves for the set. A pick-up volley goes wrong, and sees him face 15-30. Djokovic races so far wide to reach a smash that he runs off the court, but manages to get the defensive lob in play. Fonseca smiles, knowing Djokovic won’t make this easy.
And here comes the break point: Fonseca pushes a forehand long. But he goes for a bold second-serve down the middle and finds the spot! Djokovic can’t believe it after putting the forehand out.
ACE from Fonseca on deuce! He roars after it, too! Set point. ANOTHER ACE! The explosion from his fans tells you everything you need to know. He has forced a fourth! Not what Djokovic wanted!
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 2-5 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:23 , Jamie Braidwood
This is impressive from Fonseca, who is dictating behind serve and getting his forehand strike in play early. He holds comfortably to move a game away from winning the third set. Djokovic presses a couple of ice packs to his face and neck at the changeover. It’s hot work out there.
Elsewhere, Urkraine’s Elina Svitolina has joined compatriot Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round by breezing past Tamara Korpatsch 6-2 6-3. The seventh seed is moving through the draw nicely and will play either Belinda Bencic or Peyton Stearns in the last-16.
Meanwhile, Jakub Mensik is back on court after his five-hour, five-set epic on Wednesday, an effort that saw him collapse after winning match point. He has lost the opening set 6-0 to eighth seed Alex de Minaur, who is up against a fatigued opponent.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 1-4 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Another little test past by Fonseca, and in some style. He roars after a forehand winner blasted into the corner! Such effortless power, and he is able to dictate more and more of these rallies.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-3 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 17:03 , Jamie Braidwood
WHAT A GAME! Fonseca fends off a couple of break points from Djokovic in court-stretching rallies to win an epic mini battle and stay ahead in the third. Fonseca used the drop shot wonderfully there, and really showed his all-court ability. Djokovic is getting very frustrated and covers his face with his towel. Fonseca has the fans alive and asks for more.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-2 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 16:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was very annoyed to be taken into a third set by Valentin Royer in the previous round so would like to get this match over and done with as soon as possible now.
Fonseca, though, drags Djokovic into deuce and wins a gutsy point, forcing Djokovic behind the baseline, to bring break point. Djokovic’s serve has deserted him...
Fonseca manages to get Djokovic off-balance and Djokovic hits the net looking for the backhand down the line! Fonseca roars and breaks Djokovic to lead the third! Game on!
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 0-2 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 16:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was very annoyed to be taken into a third set by Valentin Royer in the previous round so would like to get this match over and done with as soon as possible now.
Fonseca, though, drags Djokovic into deuce and wins a gutsy point, forcing Djokovic behind the baseline, to bring break point. Djokovic’s serve has deserted him...
Fonseca manages to get Djokovic off-balance and Djokovic hits the net looking for the backhand down the line! Fonseca roars and breaks Djokovic to lead the third! Game on!
SECOND SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 16:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Ah this is sublime. Djokovic races to his right to meet a fierce drive from Fonseca, then scuttles to his left and dispatches a backhand winner. He celebrates by pointing to his ear.
Two set points, for a two-set lead: Djokovic finds the serve and puts the forehand drive past Fonseca, wrong-footing him. Djokovic is cruising, but is very irritated by a cameraman getting too close to him in the changeover...
Lots of work to do for Fonseca. The players head off court. So far, so good for Djokovic after just 90 minutes.
French Open: Rafael Jodar wins five-setter!
Friday 29 May 2026 16:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Jodar battles on! Roland Garros has a new Rafa and the Spanish teenager is through to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time, battling from two sets to one down to beat Alex Michelsen in five. The American received treatment on a back injury in the fourth, but Jodar showed impressive grit there to get through in four hours. He will play fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the No 89, in the fourth round. What an opportunity that is to reach a quarter-final.
“A dream come true,” he says. “I had to fight, it was a tough match.”
Novak Djokovic 6-4 5-3 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 16:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca steers a forehand winner to get to 0-30 and Djokovic groans as he puts a backhand into the net on 30-30, offering Fonseca a break point.
Djokovic finds a precise serve and dispatches the forehand to save, then Fonseca makes a forehand error on deuce,
And that’s a huge roar from Djokovic as Fonseca goes long on the return and the 39-year-old escapes to move a game away from a two-set lead.
Break point saved.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-3 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 16:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is bidding for his 104th win at the French Open today, which would put him to within eight matches of Rafael Nadal’s all-time record. A deep run here and he could potentially challenge that next year if he returns at the age of 40.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-4 3-2 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 16:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Superb timing from Djokovic from the baseline! On two points in a row, he steps in to put away forehand winners crosscourt. It earns him the break in the second. He controlled those two points as if the ball was on a string.
Novak Djokovic 6-4 2-2 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 16:08 , Jamie Braidwood
A sensational point, and longest rally of the match so far at 21 shots, as Djokovic and Fonseca exchange volleys at the net and the 39-year-old swats away the winner. Djokovic then puts away a wonderful backhand lob. He enjoys toying with these young guys and battling away with them so much, it’s great to see.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 1-2 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 16:02 , Jamie Braidwood
This is turning into a fine match now, with Fonseca responding better in the rallies when pushed wide by Djokovic and showing much better tolerance. It remains on serve in the second.
*Novak Djokovic 6-4 0-1 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 15:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Fonseca rips a forehand winner on the rise to hold in the opening game of the second, which feels significant.
FIRST SET! Novak Djokovic 6-4 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 15:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic was looking like he was going to win the first set 6-1 and in 28 minutes. But Fonseca has arrived, and if he carries this into the second set the 39-year-old may need to prepare for a more physical match than he would like. Fonseca was outplayed at times in this opener, but he has belief - can he extend it further? Djokovic looks supreme to start the match, though.
Rafael Jodar, meanwhile, whips his arms as he forces the fifth set against Alex Michelsen. He remains alive.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 5-3 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 15:42 , Jamie Braidwood
The Fonseca fans are cheering now! The Brazilian was staring down the barrel of a 6-1 opening set, but saved three set points in a row from 0-40 down when serving. From there, Fonseca breaks Djokovic in the very next game and roars as the 39-year-old throws a backhand long. That will give the teenager a huge lift. He gets one of the two breaks back.
Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar leads the fourth set 5-2 against Alex Michelsen, and the American has called a medical timeout to receive treatment on a back injury. Maybe it will be a good day for the teenagers after all...
Novak Djokovic 5-1 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 15:28 , Jamie Braidwood
This is turning into a bad day for the teenagers in the men’s draw. Fonseca, the 28th seed, is 5-1 down to Djokovic on Chatrier and Rafael Jodar, the 27th seed, is two sets to one down to Alex Michelsen on Simonne-Mathieu having served for a two-set lead. Jodar is battling away in the fourth but he will need to go the distance if he is to advance to the fourth round for the first time. The Spaniard, somehow, was installed as one of the new tournament favourites after Jannik Sinner’s exit, having gone far in Madrid and Rome.
*Novak Djokovic 4-1 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 15:23 , Jamie Braidwood
This is beautiful stuff from Djokovic. His first forehand winner in this game drew gasps from the sheer ferocity. The second caused Fonseca to throw his head back in disbelief. He went for the serve-volley, but Djokovic passed him. That’s a double-break.
Novak Djokovic 3-1 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 15:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic beats Fonseca with a backhand lob but is grumbling away to his team, upset with something. Fonseca, really, should have put away the volley and the teenager seems a little caught in the headlights in the opening 15 minutes. He did, though, play five sets in the previous round.
French Open: Upset alert!
Friday 29 May 2026 15:15 , Jamie Braidwood
The 10th seed and former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova is out! She led 5-1 in the second set, but unravelled! Jil Teichmann, the world No 70 who is competing in just her second tournament of the year, advances to face eighth seed Mirra Andreeva thanks to a 6-1 7-5 win. The Swiss won the final six games in a row.
Novak Djokovic 2-0 Joao Fonseca*
Friday 29 May 2026 15:09 , Jamie Braidwood
The early break is followed by a love-hold for Djokovic. The serve kicks up to Fonseca’s shoulder, and the return drifts out.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 1-0 Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 15:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Well, that’s a good start! Fonseca attacks a slower ball at the baseline and throws too much power at it, drifting long. Djokovic then leads into a lovely backhand winner to bring two break points.
Fonseca saves the first with a forehand winner down the line to huge roars from the Brazilian fans. He explodes into another forehand but Djokovic moves so well, then reaches the drop shot.
Fonseca’s angled return drifts out. Djokovic breaks!
Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 14:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Since beating Andrey Rublev in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open, Joao Fonseca has lost all four matches he has played against top-10 opponents this year, including his first meetings with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. This is his first go at playing Novak Djokovic, as he looks for the win that would really jump his exciting career up to another level. “I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt,” Djokovic said. “He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas.”
Here we go! Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 14:54 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s time for today’s big match: Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca. How will Djokovic respond to the big opportunity now facing him, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz out of contention and removed as potential obstacles in his bid for a 25th grand slam singles title? How will Fonseca deal with taking to Chatrier, playing his idol and the “GOAT” after a five-set epic in round two? Let’s find out.
French Open - Up next! Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca
Friday 29 May 2026 14:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic is bidding to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the 20th time (!) against Joao Fonseca. Since Fonseca was born, in 2006, Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals or better at 18 of the 19 Roland Garros tournaments. The 19-year-old Fonseca, meanwhile, is aiming to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.
Such a vast difference in experience. Djokovic, meanwhile, has never lost to a teenager in 18 previous matches.
French Open: Game, set and match Andreeva
Friday 29 May 2026 14:39 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s a very professional win from Mirra Andreeva, the eighth seed a 6-4 6-2 winner against Marie Bouzkova to return to the fourth round of the French Open for the third consecutive year.
She will play the winner of the match between 10th seed Karolina Muchova and Jil Teichmann. Muchova has turned the match around after Teichmann won a 6-1 opening set and is 5-1 up in the second.
Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca will be next on Chatrier.
Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca in loaded section of French Open draw
Friday 29 May 2026 14:26 , Jamie Braidwood
The winner of the match between Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca will play either former French Open finalist Casper Ruud or 24th seed Tommy Paul, one of the sport’s toughest competitors who could be one of the players to thrive in these conditions. Considering many sections of the draw are now looking pretty light following the exits of favourite Jannik Sinner and a number of top seeds, it is undoubtedly a loaded section.
French Open: How has Rafael Jodar messed that up?
Friday 29 May 2026 14:12 , Jamie Braidwood
A sign of nerves and inexperience, maybe, from Rafael Jodar as he fails to serve out the second set and then loses an error-strewn tiebreak to Alex Michelsen! Jodar slumped a forehand into the net down set point, and then heads off the court to clear his head. A big test for the 27th seed, with that match soon to tick over the two-hour mark.
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
Friday 29 May 2026 14:05 , Kieran Jackson
Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open in the second round on Thursday after dramatically cramping, one game away from winning the match.
The world No 1, and the overwhelming favourite to win the men’s singles title, was two sets and 5-1 to the good against Argentine player Juan Manuel Cerundolo, when he suffered a physical breakdown.
Barely moving, Sinner eventually called for the trainer and said he “wanted to vomit.” The Italian continued, but won only two more games as Cerundolo completed one of the biggest shocks in Grand Slam history.
It means Sinner’s dream of completing the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros – having had three championship points in his historic final defeat against Carlos Alcaraz last year – is over for another year. He hinted afterwards he will now take a break and won’t compete until Wimbledon on 29 June.
Yet what are the heat rules in place? And what did Sinner say afterwards?
How the heat and illness wrecked Jannik Sinner’s Career Grand Slam dream
French Open: Mirra Andreeva wins opening set on Chatrier
Friday 29 May 2026 13:56 , Jamie Braidwood
A trademark backhand winner from Mirra Andreeva seals a 6-4 opening set against the 27th seed Marie Bouzkova. Andreeva has reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals in her previous two appearances in Paris, and is on course to reach the business end of the tournament again.
There’s an upset brewing on Suzanne-Lenglen, though. Jil Teichmann, the 70-ranked Swiss, has won the opening set 6-1 against 10th seed and former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova. Meanwhile, Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar has earned a crucial break against Alex Michelsen and will serve for a two-set lead...
What has Fonseca said about Djokovic?
Friday 29 May 2026 13:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Over the past few months, Joao Fonseca has played Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the first time, but he now gets a first shot at the “GOAT”.
“I always say to my coach, I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know it’s not going to last too long (his career). I just want to have this experience in my life.
“I’m just going to enjoy it. For me, being in the Roland Garros third round is just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport.
“Hopefully, I can play a great match. Of course, stepping onto the court, I’m going to respect him, but I’ll also try to do my best and win this match.
“I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before.”
What has Djokovic said about Fonseca?
Friday 29 May 2026 13:35 , Jamie Braidwood
“Fonseca has received plenty of praise in the last two years. I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt. He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas.
“He played a great match against [Jannik] Sinner in Indian Wells, beat [Andrey] Rublev in straight sets in Australia, and it’s clear he can step up in big matches and bring out his best, with very powerful shots.”
Frances Tiafoe rewards fan for returning racket after wild French Open celebrations
Friday 29 May 2026 13:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Frances Tiafoe has been reunited with his racket after losing track of his equipment in the celebrations that followed his French Open win over Hubert Hurkacz.
The American prevailed in a five-set battle to reach the third round at Roland Garros, but later revealed that his racket had been taken in the subsequent celebratory melee.
The 19th seed had offered a reward of two tickets to the individual who had taken his Yonex, and it appears the thief took Tiafoe up on the offer after the racket was returned to his coach.
Frances Tiafoe rewards fan for returning racket after wild French Open celebrations
Jannik Sinner: 'This is my main goal here and I had a very early exit'
Friday 29 May 2026 13:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner finished his press conference by confirming he does not regret playing such a busy clay-court swing, after titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. The world No 1 says winning the French Open was his biggest goal of the year, but his challenge is over after just the second round.
“If I don't play Madrid or if I don't play Rome, maybe I come here and I have still have a day like this where you feel sick. Looking back, it's always very tough. At the same time I won three tournaments on clay, had incredible results, an amazing streak.
“As I said in the beginning of the year, this is my main goal here and I had a very early exit. It’s not what I was looking for. But you also don't know if things would have changed if I would maybe skip Madrid and play only Rome or maybe skipping Rome and to come here. You never know.”
French Open: Iga Swiatek books Marta Kostyuk clash in fourth round
Friday 29 May 2026 12:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Iga Swiatek gets the job done in the all-Poland clash against Magda Linette, with the four-time champion advancing thanks to a slightly roundabout 6-4 6-4 win in 85 minutes.
Swiatek, who improves her overall record at Roland Garros to 43-3, has reached the third round in Paris in all eight of her appearances and now faces the in-form Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round on Sunday.
Kostyuk, the 15th seed, has won 14 matches in a row and is unbeaten on clay this year. Swiatek, though, has won all four of her previous matches against the Ukrainian. That’s a cracker.
The men’s French Open contenders after Jannik Sinner shock including Spanish teenager
Friday 29 May 2026 12:50 , Jack Rathborn
Jannik Sinner is out of the French Open and with that goes the biggest favourite before a Grand Slam in the men's singles draw since Rafael Nadal, also at the French Open in 2009.
The Italian went down in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and with Carlos Alcaraz also out of Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, this year due to injury, Novak Djokovic has a chance to bring up a 25th Grand Slam.
That would take Djokovic past Margaret Court, breaking a tie with the Australian for most singles titles in the sport’s history.
Outside of Djokovic, there are no Grand Slam winners in the draw left, offering both opportunity and pressure without the two players that have defined this current era of men’s tennis.
Here we look at the contenders in the men’s French Open as we approach the end of the first week:
Who could win the French Open after Jannik Sinner’s shock exit?
Jannik Sinner explains sudden collapse at French Open
Friday 29 May 2026 12:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner, speaking in his press-conference after his shock defeat at the French Open.
“Didn't feel very well on court, but can happen. Was in a good spot, also in third set, but I couldn't couldn't serve it out and then struggled quite a bit. Also congrats to him, I don't want to take I don't want to take anything away from him. He played a very solid match, especially also in the end, and that's the sport.
“I started to feel very dizzy, very low of energy. I tried to to serve it out [in the third] but didn't have a lot of energy. Fourth set I let it go a little bit trying to have a bit more energy in the fifth. Very important game, the first one, but couldn't hold and then it went all a bit downwards.
“I woke up this morning didn't feel very well and tried to keep the the points very short in the beginning. I was hitting very clean, very good and then I just kind of hit the wall and that's it.”
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