Joao Fonseca’s Wimbledon campaign came to an end in the third round after suffering a shocking straight-sets defeat to world number 132 Roman Safiullin.
Safiullin, who came through qualifying to book his place in the main draw, defeated Fonseca 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
The Russian, aged 28, reached a career-high ranking of 32nd in the world back in 2024, but has since fallen to as low as 229th.
He once reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, doing so at the 2023 edition of the Championships before falling to Jannik Sinner.
His current Wimbledon run is the best campaign Safiullin has recorded at a Grand Slam since then, and he was emotional in his post-match interview.
Roman Safiullin reacts to beating Joao Fonseca at Wimbledon
Prior to the bout with Fonseca, Safiullin’s last three matches at the All England Club were all five-setters.
He came through in five in his last round of qualifying against Jerome Kym and went the distance with Andrey Rublev and Botic van de Zandschulp in rounds one and two, respectively.
“From the qualifying final round until now, it was super tough matches,” said Safiullin.
“Saving match points, it was like four hours every match on court, five sets, it was super tough, but I’m very happy to manage to perform this level today and to win, finally, in three sets, not going to five sets. So, yeah, I’m very, very happy for my game here.”
Safiullin was sidelined with injury after the 2025 US Open, and didn’t return to tour-level until mid-February this year.
How would you solve the tennis injury crisis?
“After the US Open, I had to stop to treat my injury and, yeah, like, well, that time was super tough.
“Let’s say, half a year ago,I didn’t know if I would be able to be back,” said Safiullin, before stepping away from the on-court microphone and breaking down in tears, as the crowd on Court 2 stood up to applaud.
He concluded: “I didn’t know, and I’m super happy to be back here.”
Joao Fonseca gains no ATP ranking points from Wimbledon run
While it’s euphoria for Safiullin, it’s a disappointing end to Wimbledon for Fonseca, who did no better in SW19 this time around than last year.
The Brazilian matched his third-round finish from 2025, meaning he will not receive any ATP points.
Fonseca earned his best result at a Grand Slam earlier this season at Roland Garros, where he made the quarterfinals.
Heading into Wimbledon, Fonseca had played just one match on grass; a straight-sets loss at the Halle Open to Yannick Hanfmann.
He was due to play at the Eastbourne Open, but pulled out of the ATP 250 event due to injury.
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