Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title ended abruptly at the French Open on Friday as Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca staged a remarkable comeback to win their third-round match in five sets. The 19-year-old Fonseca overturned a two-set deficit to defeat the 39-year-old former world No. 1, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, in a contest lasting nearly five hours on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Djokovic started strongly, using his signature defense and precise shot-making to take the first two sets. However, Fonseca, in only his first meeting against the 24-time major champion, gradually found his rhythm as conditions cooled and the match progressed into the evening. Despite early struggles with the heat and nerves, Fonseca displayed resilience and power, unleashing a series of big forehands and clutch serves, including three consecutive aces in the final game to close out the match and become the first teenager to defeat Djokovic at a Grand Slam.

“This is an incredible match to be part of,” Djokovic said after the loss. “Tough one for me to lose being two sets to love up, but huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match. He found incredible shots at crucial moments.” Djokovic appeared visibly fatigued in the final stages, often hunched over between points and requiring ice packs to manage the heat and physical strain. He had a break point to force a tiebreak in the last game but was unable to capitalize.

Fonseca, who credited Djokovic as an idol and expressed disbelief at his own achievement, said, “I just enjoyed being on the court. It’s my first time playing against him, and I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could.” He also acknowledged Djokovic’s superior fitness late in the match despite the final result. Fonseca’s victory marks his deepest run at a Grand Slam, advancing him to the fourth round where he will face two-time finalist Casper Ruud.

The exit of Djokovic, alongside the earlier defeat of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Thursday, has left the men’s draw wide open. With several former major champions, including Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka, also eliminated, Roland Garros will see a new men’s singles champion for the first time in years.

Djokovic, who has faced questions about his future participation at Roland Garros, was noncommittal regarding whether he will return next year. The French Open loss continues a challenging clay-court season for the 39-year-old, who had limited match practice leading into the tournament due to a shoulder injury.

On the women’s side, Ukrainian players Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina advanced to the fourth round, setting up a notable rematch between Kostyuk and four-time champion Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Sorana Cirstea recorded a rare 6-0, 6-0 Grand Slam victory, becoming the oldest player in the Open Era to do so.