After Djokovic’s historic loss, Roland-Garros will crown a first time major champion in years

Novak Djokovic appeared to have a manageable path to a record-breaking 25th major title after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s historic collapse at Roland-Garros, also known as the French Open, but 19-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca had other plans.

It was an incredible five-set comeback victory over Djokovic that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of change in modern tennis. The 19-year-old Brazilian came from two sets behind and defeated his opponent, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, with sets of 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. The loss was particularly shocking because Djokovic had rarely squandered a two-set lead in Grand Slam play, making Fonseca’s victory one of the biggest upsets of the season and the earliest round exit for Djokovic at Roland-Garros since 2009. Before today’s match, Djokovic was 301-1 in his career when dropping two sets to zero. Even more historic, it was the first time in his career that he lost to a teenager. They were 18-0 against juniors heading into Friday’s game.

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But the importance of the result extends far beyond a single match. Djokovic, 39, entered Roland-Garros chasing history, hoping to break Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 major singles titles. Instead, he was eliminated by a player young enough to be his son; It was a symbolic reminder that the sport’s next generation was no longer waiting for permission to take over.

Perhaps the most remarkable result of all this was that, with the elimination of Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner and the injury of Carlos Alcaraz, the French Open secured the men’s Grand Slam title for the first time.

The Big Three (Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) dominated men’s tennis for almost two decades before a new generation led by Alcaraz and Sinner began collecting major titles. Now, for the first time in more than two years, a player who has never won a Grand Slam will leave Paris a major champion, potentially signaling the start of a new era in men’s tennis.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia volleys at the net against Joao Fonseca of Brazil during the sixth day of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2026 in Paris, France. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The last time a new champion was crowned was the 2024 Australian Open, where Jannik Sinner won her first Grand Slam title, and look where she is now. This title may be prophetic, as it was for Sinner a few years ago.

This is another reminder that Father Time has arrived for all of us. While I still believe Djokovic has enough in the tank to win another Grand Slam and extend his record, the younger players will make for intriguing viewing from the fourth round onwards.

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Brazil’s João Fonseca celebrates his match point win against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in men’s singles on Day Six of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France on May 29, 2026. (Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

The consensus favorite is now Alexander Zverev, who was considered the best remaining competitor on clay before the tournament started. Many sports betting sites and analysts named him the favorite immediately after Sinner’s upset defeat, and Djokovic’s elimination further strengthened that position. Don’t count out Fonseca, though. His confidence must be soaring after that historic victory over the greatest player of all time.