Fonseca Upsets Djokovic at French Open, Dedicates Victory to Mother's Birthday

19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca upset Serbian star Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller in the third round of the French Open today, dedicating the hard-fought victory to his mother on her birthday. According to Reuters, Fonseca won 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after 4 hours and 53 minutes, becoming the first teenager to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam. Djokovic's dream of a 25th Grand Slam title is on hold, meaning the 39-year-old will have to wait to surpass the 24-title record of Australian legend Margaret Court. Fonseca said: "I didn't believe I would win this match. I just enjoyed every moment on the court. He is our idol, and it is a great honor to play against him, so I thank him. I am very happy." He added: "I just tried to hit the ball as fast as I could. I mean, Djokovic almost never misses, and we all feel like he is still 20 years old. At the end of the match, his physical condition was even better than mine. It's incredible." He also said: "But I think as it got dark, the pace of the match slowed down, which was more favorable to me because I could hit the ball with more power." Fonseca dedicated the victory to his mother, who was sitting in the stands with a smile on her face. Djokovic left the court to a standing ovation from 15,000 spectators and later praised his young opponent in a press conference. Djokovic said: "It's unforgettable to be part of such a wonderful match. Of course, it was a tough battle for me, and it's disappointing to lose after winning the first two sets, but Fonseca deserves high praise. The win was well-deserved." "I think he was undoubtedly better in the key moments of the crucial 4th and 5th sets. There were some wonderful rallies and points; he just hit incredible shots and line-hugging shots. It's amazing." "It's not easy for me to face a player who plays at this level, but I don't think there was much wrong with my performance; he was just better." Djokovic is unsure whether he will compete in the French Open next year, and with Spanish powerhouse Carlos Alcaraz missing due to a wrist injury and Italian star Jannik Sinner knocked out early, this year's French Open will see a new champion winning their first Grand Slam. Regarding Fonseca's chances of winning, Djokovic said: "He definitely has that potential." Fonseca will face Norway's Casper Ruud in the round of 16. Two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud also played a five-set thriller in the third round, defeating American Tommy Paul 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.