Novak Djokovic will sense he has a chance to make history in Paris as he battles rising star Joao Fonseca for the first time in a blockbuster third-round match at the French Open. The shock exit of world No 1 and pre-tournament favourite Jannik Sinner has left Djokovic as the only grand slam champion remaining in the Roland Garros draw, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to a wrist injury.
Djokovic's Opportunity
At 39 years old, Djokovic now has a significant opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title. However, he still faces a challenging path to the championship and must overcome the talented teenager Fonseca to secure a place in the fourth round. The Brazilian, aged 19, had to recover from two sets down to beat Dino Prizmic in the second round on Tuesday and will be aiming for the biggest victory of his young career.
Match Timing and TV Coverage
Many expected the Djokovic versus Fonseca match to be scheduled for the night session, but instead Alexander Zverev will face Frenchman Quentin Halys in the final match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Consequently, Djokovic versus Fonseca is the third match of the day, with a not-before start time of 2:30pm BST (UK time). It could start slightly later depending on the earlier matches involving Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva.
The tournament will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK and also available online via HBO Max. In the United States, viewers can watch live on TNT Sports, Max, truTV, and CNN.
Player Perspectives
Speaking about his upcoming opponent, Djokovic commented: “Fonseca has received plenty of praise in the last two years. I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt. He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas, and who enjoys night sessions. He played a great match against Jannik Sinner in Indian Wells, beat Andrey Rublev in straight sets in Australia, and it’s clear he can step up in big matches and bring out his best, with very powerful shots.”
Fonseca, in turn, expressed his admiration for Djokovic: “I always say to my coach, I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know it’s not going to last too long (his career). I just want to have this experience in my life. I’m just going to enjoy it. For me, being in the Roland Garros third round is just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport. Hopefully, I can play a great match. Of course, stepping onto the court, I’m going to respect him, but I’ll also try to do my best and win this match. I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before. So, yeah, I think that’s it.”
French Open Order of Play for Friday 29 May
All times BST. On Court Philippe-CHATRIER, from 11:00am: Magda Linette (POL) vs Iga Swiatek (POL) [3]; Mirra Andreeva [8] vs Marie Bouzkova (CZE) [27]; not before 2:30pm: Joao Fonseca (BRA) [28] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [3]; Night Session – not before 7:15pm: Quentin Halys (FRA) vs Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]. On Court Suzanne-LENGLEN, from 10:00am: Nuno Borges (POR) vs Andrey Rublev [11]; Jil Teichmann (SUI) vs Karolina Muchova (CZE) [10]; Elina Svitolina (UKR) [7] vs Tamara Korpatsch (GER); Casper Ruud (NOR) [15] vs Tommy Paul (USA) [24]. On Court Simonne-MATHIEU, from 10:00am: Marta Kostyuk (UKR) [15] vs Viktorija Golubic (SUI); Alex Michelsen (USA) vs Rafael Jodar (ESP) [27]; Alex de Minaur (AUS) [8] vs Jakub Mensik (CZE) [26]; Peyton Stearns (USA) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI) [11]. On Court 14, from 10:00am: Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP); Solana Sierra (ARG) vs Sorana Cirstea (ROU) [18]; Karen Khachanov [13] vs Jesper de Jong (NED); Maya Joint (AUS) & Hanne Vandewinkel (BEL) vs Anna Danilina (KAZ) & Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) [2].
