Novak Djokovic said he was unsure whether he would play in the French Open next year after his quest for a 25th grand slam title was ended by Joao Fonseca on Friday. 

Djokovic let a two-set lead slip against Fonseca, who rallied back to earn a sensational 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 7-5 third-round victory in an almost five-hour epic in Paris. 

The Serbian, who has won the title at Roland-Garros three times in his career, suffered his earliest exit in the competition since 2009 when he lost to Philipp Kohlschreiber. 

It was Djokovic's 49th five-set match at a grand slam event, equalling Stan Wawrinka (49) for the most of any player at a major in the Open Era, but he came up short here. 

The 24-time grand slam champion has hinted that his glittering career is coming to an end, and as he left Court Philippe-Chatrier, he made a heart gesture to those in the crowd. 

Asked if he would be back next year, Djokovic twice replied: "I don't know."

Djokovic may not have had a better chance to lift his first grand slam since the US Open in 2023, with Jannik Sinner suffering a surprise exit to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. 

Carlos Alcaraz is also not in the tournament as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, but Djokovic was in no mood to reflect on what might have been. 

"I don't care. I don't care. I'll stop you right there," the 39-year-old said. "No. Just lost the third round. Let's just talk about something else. Thank you."

Novak with nice words on Joao’s performance #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/QLvg4BRLyR

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2026

Djokovic's elimination has now thrown the race for the Roland-Garros title wide open. It is the first time in the Open Era where a former grand slam champion has not reached the men's singles last 16 at a grand slam event – including grand slam champions pre-Open Era.

But Djokovic took the time to applaud Fonseca for his display, with the Brazilian becoming just the second teenager in the Open Era to claim multiple wins from 2-0 down at a grand slam event. 

Fonseca is also only the second teenager to beat Djokovic at a grand slam event, along with defeating a former men's singles champion from two sets behind at a major before turning 20. 

"Well, an incredible match to be part of," Djokovic added. "Obviously, a tough one for me to lose being two sets up, but huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match.

"I think he, without a doubt, was the better player in important moments in those crucial fourth and fifth [sets]. Some amazing exchanges and points.

"He just found incredible shots, lines. It was just amazing from his side.

"Obviously not great for me to be facing a player playing in such a level, but I don't think I've done too much wrong with my game. It's just that he was just better."