The French Open 2026 witnessed another major upset as Novak Djokovic was eliminated in a dramatic five-set battle in Paris. Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca stunned the tennis world by defeating Djokovic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a marathon match lasting nearly five hours. This victory marked the biggest win of Fonseca's career and ended Djokovic's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Fonseca's Remarkable Comeback
The 19-year-old Fonseca, ranked outside the top 100, showed incredible resilience by coming back from two sets down for the second consecutive match. He maintained his composure against one of the greatest players in tennis history and gradually seized control as the match progressed. The win propelled Fonseca into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
Sinner's Heat-Related Collapse
On Thursday, world number one Jannik Sinner also suffered a shocking exit. He lost to Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo despite leading by two sets. Sinner appeared in complete control early in the match and was just one game away from victory when the extreme heat in Paris took its toll. Temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius, and Sinner began struggling physically. He looked exhausted, bent over between points, and required medical attention for dizziness and nausea.
After returning to the court with ice packs around his neck, the Italian could not recover. Cerundolo capitalized on the opportunity and dominated the remainder of the match, winning 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6. The defeat ended Sinner's 30-match winning streak and marked his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2023 French Open. It also raised questions about his ability to perform in extreme heat conditions.
Open Draw for Remaining Contenders
With both Djokovic and Sinner out of the tournament, the men's draw has suddenly opened up, creating a significant opportunity for the remaining contenders in Paris. Fans are now eagerly watching to see who will seize the chance to claim the title.
