Novak Djokovic's hopes of a 25th grand slam title were ended after Joao Fonseca produced a sensational comeback to win a five-set epic in the French Open third round. 

Djokovic was the only player remaining in the draw that had won a major, and was among the favourites at Roland-Garros after Jannik Sinner's shock early exit on Thursday. 

However, Fonseca roared back from two sets down in Paris to book his place in the next round with a seismic 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 triumph in four hours and 54 minutes. 

But it was Djokovic who started on the front foot, getting the better of the Brazilian's serve in the opening game of the match, and despite missing three set-point opportunities, the third seed was able to get himself in front. 

And Djokovic appeared to be cruising to the fourth round when he broke in the fourth game of the second set, but Fonseca hit back in the third set with an early break of his own. 

From there, Fonseca kept the match going, and he moved a break ahead in the fourth set, only to be pegged back before missing two further break points at 4-4 in an epic game Djokovic survived.

Fonseca kept his head to break Djokovic again at 5-5, however, serving out the fourth set thrillingly to take things to a fifth, though it appeared the Serbian had taken control of proceedings when he went 3-1 up in the decider. 

However, Fonseca reeled off the final three games to reach the fourth round, sealing his progression with a sensational ace, with Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul up next. 

UNBELIEVABLE!

Take a bow, Joao #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Kj1r8R48dT

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 29, 2026

Data Debrief: Fonseca comes of age as another grand slam champion falls in Paris

Fonseca said in his on-court interview that he never believed he could win against the 24-time grand slam champion, but he made that a reality with a stunning display, becoming the second teenager to beat Djokovic at a major event.  

And his triumph also saw him become just the second teenager in the Open Era to claim multiple wins from 2-0 down at a grand slam event, along with defeating a former men's singles champion from two sets behind at a major before turning 20. 

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.