PARIS — There’s good news for anyone missing the presence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the men’s draw at this wacky French Open. His name is João Fonseca.For those who either missed the four-hour-and-53-minute piece of art Fonseca painted when he rallied from two sets down to upset Novak Djokovic, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, in the third round at Roland Garros — or for anyone looking for a cheat sheet on why they should be excited about this 19-year-old Brazilian whose matches draws some of the biggest crowds on the ATP Tour — watch the 5-5 game in the fifth set.Fonseca became known almost instantly upon his breakthrough on tour for his sledgehammer forehand. His walloping power on that wing is the aspect that most often gets compared to Sinner, who hits the hardest forehand in the game most consistently. It’s also the aspect that can overwhelm Fonseca as much as his opponents, prone to overhitting or using brute force over precision in tight moments.But in that 5-5 game Friday night on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Fonseca proved that he can also produce the deft feel that people associate with Alcaraz — in his biggest match, on his biggest stage, at the most clutch time possible. Djokovic, who was 301-1 in matches with a two-set lead, is a master of a five-set match’s dying embers. He knows what happens when tennis’ witching hour arrives more than anyone.
Missed João Fonseca’s French Open upset of Novak Djokovic? One game explained it all
Fonseca, known for his power tennis, showcased poise and maturity under immense pressure on his way to beating Djokovic.











