Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca will meet for the first time on the ATP Tour at Roland Garros as they go head-to-head in round three.
Veteran Djokovic beat Valentin Royer in four sets to reach the third round, while youngster Fonseca battled past Dino Prizmic.
In an epic encounter at Roland Garros, the 19-year-old ATP star came from two sets down to triumph 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.
The Brazilian needed three hours and 27 minutes to clinch the superb comeback win, for which he has earned a first-ever match against Djokovic.
John McEnroe thinks Djokovic is playing well in Paris, with the American now predicting the winner of his upcoming clash with Fonseca.
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John McEnroe thinks Novak Djokovic will beat Joao Fonseca
As quoted by TNT Sports, McEnroe said: “I’m picking Djokovic to win but I think that’s one of the biggest moments of Fonseca’s career so far and will open him up.
“He has so much expectation and it’s such a great result for him.
“This is big for him.”
Another former player, Tim Henman, added: “I think it’s a good sign for Fonseca [coming through in five sets].
“The one question mark for Fonseca has been the physicality.
“It looks like he can get fitter and stronger.
“For him to be down two sets today and then come back and win is good for him mentally.”
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Joao Fonseca continues recent trend of taking on ATP greats
Fonseca has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years, initially breaking out with his title at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals.
The talented teenager is also a two-time ATP champion, emerging victorious in Buenos Aires and Basel in 2025.
But such success has brought real pressure to his young shoulders, particularly with the increasing need for a player to challenge dominant figures Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Fonseca has already been able to test himself against the pair, but lost to the Italian at Indian Wells and the Spaniard in Miami this year.
He did, however, prove his worth on both occasions, showing some signs that he is indeed capable of being that player to end their dominance.
Fonseca’s dramatic rise now continues against Djokovic, who will be desperate to avoid an upset as he continues his search for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
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