Novak Djokovic had nothing but praise for João Fonseca after suffering a heartbreaking loss to the Brazilian teenager at Roland Garros, admitting that the youngster fully deserved the victory and predicting a bright future filled with Grand Slam success.
Following an intense five set battle in Paris, Djokovic reflected honestly on the physical toll of the match, revealing that he struggled physically as it wore on and ultimately ran out of energy against an inspired Fonseca.
“Well, it would be nice if it was best of 3,” Djokovic joked with a laugh. “But it’s not. And yeah, I ran out of gas to be honest. I don’t feel good at all on the court in the next couple sets.”
The Serbian legend admitted that the closing stages of the fourth set represented his biggest chance to turn the match around, but credited Fonseca for delivering under pressure.
“End of the fourth was my best chance. 4-3, 15-40… he just played really good points. He was attacking. Big serves,” Djokovic explained.
Rather than focusing on missed opportunities, Djokovic made it clear that Fonseca earned the result with fearless tennis in the biggest moments.
“When I look back in important moments, could I have done something different? You can always say yes, but you just have to say well done and congratulate him. Hats off,” he said. “He just played lights out tennis. Every time there was a decisive moment he went for it.”
Djokovic pointed to one moment in the deciding set where he believed momentum could have shifted but again emphasized Fonseca’s aggression and shot making.
“Maybe my only fault was 3-1 in the fifth, serving and I dropped the serve. But again, he played a couple very aggressive points,” Djokovic said. “Any ball coming to his forehand, around the forehand, mid forehands… he was crushing it. It was really hard to read. He was playing with extreme pace.”
The 24 time Grand Slam champion also praised Fonseca’s composure under pressure, highlighting the teenager’s serving during key moments.
“Break point to come back to the match? Three aces. What can you do?” Djokovic said. “Strongest aces he’s got through the whole match, 220, 215. Only thing you can say is well done. That’s it.”
Despite the disappointment of exiting Roland Garros, Djokovic expressed excitement for what lies ahead for Fonseca, backing the Brazilian to become one of the sport’s next major stars.
“He definitely has the potential,” Djokovic said. “The talent he’s got… the firepower… the whole Brazilian nation cheering him on. Hopefully he can be the next great thing and win Slams.”
