Novak Djokovic is set to face a new challenge as he takes on rising star Joao Fonseca in a high-stakes third-round match at the French Open. This encounter marks their first meeting on the professional circuit, and it promises to be a thrilling contest between the veteran champion and the young Brazilian talent.
The unexpected exit of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has shifted the dynamics of the tournament. Sinner, who was the pre-tournament favorite, was eliminated in a surprising turn of events, leaving Djokovic as the sole grand slam champion remaining in the Roland Garros draw. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is also out of the competition due to a wrist injury, adding to the significance of Djokovic’s position in the tournament.
Djokovic v Fonseca LIVE: French Open scores after Sinner’s shocking collapse
At 39 years old, Djokovic is now in a prime position to make history by securing his 25th Grand Slam title. However, the road to the final is still challenging, and the next step for the Serbian legend is to defeat the talented teenager Fonseca in the fourth round. The Brazilian player, aged 19, has already shown his resilience by coming back from two sets down to beat Dino Prizmic in the second round on Tuesday. He is eager to achieve what could be the biggest victory of his career.
When is Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca?
Many fans anticipated that Djokovic and Fonseca would play in the night session, but instead, Alexander Zverev will take on Frenchman Quentin Halys in the final match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Djokovic and Fonseca will play earlier in the day, with a start time not before 2:30pm BST (UK time). The exact time may be slightly delayed depending on the outcomes of earlier matches involving Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva.
Is the French Open on TV?
The tournament will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK and available online via HBO Max. In the United States, it will be shown live on TNT Sports, Max, truTV, and CNN.
What has Djokovic said about Fonseca?
Djokovic has praised Fonseca’s potential and abilities, acknowledging the Brazilian’s growing reputation over the past two years. “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, and who enjoys night sessions.”
He also highlighted Fonseca’s success against top players, such as his performance against Jannik Sinner in Indian Wells and his straight-sets win over Andrey Rublev in Australia. “It’s clear he can step up in big matches and bring out his best, with very powerful shots.”
What has Fonseca said about Djokovic?
Fonseca expressed his admiration for Djokovic, stating, “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.” He added, “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.”
He also emphasized his respect for Djokovic while expressing his desire to give his best in the match. “I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before. So, yeah, I think that’s it.”
French Open order of play: Friday 29 May
(All times BST)
Court Philippe-CHATRIER
From 11:00am
Magda Linette (POL) vs Iga Swiatek (POL) [3]
Mirra Andreeva [8] vs Marie Bouzkova (CZE) [27]
Not before 2:30pm
Joao Fonseca (BRA) [28] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [3]
Night Session – Not before 7:15pm
Quentin Halys (FRA) vs Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]
Court Suzanne-LENGLEN
From 10:00am
Nuno Borges (POR) vs Andrey Rublev [11]
Jil Teichmann (SUI) vs Karolina Muchova (CZE) [10]
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [7] vs Tamara Korpatsch (GER)
Casper Ruud (NOR) [15] vs Tommy Paul (USA) [24]
Court Simonne-MATHIEU
From 10:00am
Marta Kostyuk (UKR) [15] vs Viktorija Golubic (SUI)
Alex Michelsen (USA) vs Rafael Jodar (ESP) [27]
Alex de Minaur (AUS) [8] vs Jakub Mensik (CZE) [26]
Peyton Stearns (USA) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI) [11]
Court 14
From 10:00am
Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
Solana Sierra (ARG) vs Sorana Cirstea (ROU) [18]
Karen Khachanov [13] vs Jesper de Jong (NED)
Maya Joint (AUS) & Hanne Vandewinkel (BEL) vs Anna Danilina (KAZ) & Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) [2]
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