Joao Fonseca won a thrilling five-set match against Novak Djokovic at the French Open, becoming the first-time fourth-round participant at a slam. Djokovic, who remained the only man in the draw with a major title, lost 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 and failed to add a 25th slam trophy. The defeat marked only the second time Djokovic lost after leading by two sets, the previous instance occurring 16 years earlier. Fonseca, 20 years younger, credited enjoyment and stepping onto court against an idol. He overcame a two-set deficit, saved break points, and used bold shot selection to seize key moments, including the 11th game in the fourth set.
"It is just the second time Djokovic has ever lost from two sets up, with the only previous occasion coming here 16 years ago against Jurgen Melzer. The Serbian has done a remarkable job at defying the sands of time but he could not finish off the irrepressible Fonseca, who looked utterly stunned as he celebrated reaching the fourth round of a slam for the first time."
"Asked how he kept believing, Fonseca said: "I actually didn't. I just played, I just enjoyed being on court, and what a match it was. What an idol we have and it was a pleasure just stepping on court against him." It was the first career meeting between Djokovic and the player 20 years his junior."
"He found a foothold in the match from 5-1 down in the first set but the contest appeared to be heading Djokovic's way when he opened up a two-set lead. However, Fonseca moved ahead early in the third and Djokovic began shaking out his right wrist and looking affected by the hot, humid conditions."
"Had the Serbian taken one of two break points at 4-4 in the fourth set, victory may well have been his but Fonseca stayed true to his attacking philosophy to save them and seized his chance in the 11th game. Djokovic gave a weary look to the heavens as Fonseca pushed the contest to a fifth, a"
Read at Irish Independent
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