Novak Djokovic lost to João Fonseca in five sets this Friday (29), at Roland Garros, and was full of praise for the Brazilian. “He deserved to win and played an incredible match. He should be proud of himself,” said the Serb. “The level of tennis we saw from him today explains all the enthusiasm around him. It was clear why there is so much hype.”
Djokovic recognized that Fonseca was superior in the moments that decided the game. “He was a better player in the important moments — the fourth and fifth sets were incredible. He found impressive shots and lines. It was simply incredible on his part.” The Serb minimized any mistakes of his own. “I don’t think I made a lot of mistakes. It’s just that he played like that.”
Asked when the game slipped out of his hands, Djokovic was precise. “At the end of the fourth set, 4/3, 15/40, it was my best chance. He played very good points, was aggressive, served strong. Any ball that reached his forehand, he destroyed. It was very difficult to read.” He added: “Maybe my only mistake was at 3/1 in the fifth set, when I lost serve. But he played very aggressive points. Hats off. He played tennis at another level in every decisive moment.”
The Serb also spoke about the physical wear and tear of more than four hours in the Paris heat. “At times, I could barely stand in the last stages of the match. But I looked at the crowd and they lifted my spirits. It was something truly magical.”
Djokovic acknowledged having played a lot of tennis in recent months, coming off three months of injury. “All things considered, I think my level was very good. But now, leaving the court, I’m disappointed.”
Regarding Fonseca’s future, the Serb was generous and direct. “He definitely has potential. Things have to fall into place, but he’s very professional, he’s got talent, he’s got firepower and he’s got a whole nation rooting for him. There’s a lot of excitement around him, rightfully so. I hope he’s the next big thing in tennis, he’s going to win Grand Slams. I definitely want to see that happen.”
Djokovic was also asked if Roland Garros 2026 could have been his last game at the tournament. The answer was evasive — and revealing. “I don’t know. Would it be fair if it were like that, against a player like that?” At 39 years old, the Serb left doubt in the air.
