Novak Djokovic has cast doubt on his future at the French Open after a third-round exit at the hands of Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca. The 39-year-old lost a five-set match from a two-set lead, his earliest departure from Roland-Garros since 2009, according to multiple reports.
How did Djokovic lose the match?
Joao Fonseca defeated Novak Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly five hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier. After Djokovic took the first two sets, the 19-year-old Brazilian mounted a comeback. According to ESPN, it was only the second time in his career that Djokovic lost a Grand Slam match after being ahead by two sets. In the final game, Fonseca served three consecutive aces to close out the victory, as reported by ESPN.
What did Djokovic say about his future?
When asked in a post-match press conference if he would return to Roland-Garros next year, Djokovic twice replied, "I don't know," according to India Today and other outlets. He was not in a mood to discuss the wider implications of his loss, given the earlier exit of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and the absence of Carlos Alcaraz. When a journalist asked if he had started to dream about a 25th major title, Djokovic cut the question short, as reported by Flashscore.
What does this result mean for the tournament?
The tournament will crown a first-time men's Grand Slam champion. With the elimination of Djokovic and Sinner, and Alcaraz missing the event due to injury, no previous major winners remain in the men's singles draw, according to beIN SPORTS. This opens the field for a new generation of players to contend for one of the sport's biggest titles.
Fonseca praised Djokovic after the match, telling reporters it was a pleasure to share the court with him. Djokovic, in turn, congratulated the teenager, stating that Fonseca deserved the win and had played an "unbelievable match," as reported by Flashscore.
Fonseca will play American Tommy Paul in the fourth round, according to The Standard.
Sources
- ESPN: Djokovic's 25th Slam bid ends with French Open loss to Fonseca. Associated Press, 2026-05-29.
- India Today: Novak Djokovic was asked about his future after French Open exit. The Serbian was blunt. India Today, 2026-05-30.
- The Standard: Djokovic drops fresh retirement hint after shock French Open exit. The Standard, 2026-05-29.
- beIN SPORTS: French Open: Djokovic unsure whether he will play at Roland-Garros again. beIN SPORTS, 2026-05-29.
- Flashscore: Djokovic unsure if he'll ever play French Open again after dramatic loss to Fonseca. Flashscore, 2026-05-29.
Reported from public sources.