Casper Ruud has lauded João Fonseca as a talented young player as they prepare to face each other at Roland Garros. The match is scheduled for today, not before 15:15 (Brasília time). Ruud, the 16th seed, acknowledged Fonseca’s skill and potential ahead of their clash.
Ruud’s Respect for Fonseca
Ruud spoke highly of the 19-year-old Brazilian. Fonseca reached this stage of the Grand Slam after a comeback victory against Novak Djokovic, winning 3-2 after trailing by two sets in a match lasting almost five hours.
Ruud said he would try to use his experience from reaching two Roland Garros finals. He added that he needs to focus on one game at a time, noting that facing a young talent like Fonseca would be a difficult task.
“He already beat great players in his career, so he has what it takes,” Ruud stated. “Probably it was the biggest win in his career [over Djokovic], so we are practically in the same position, I came from a 0-2 too, we won long matches. He is a very nice young guy, I hope it will be a good match.”
Fonseca’s Path to the Round of 16
Fonseca’s journey to the round of 16 included victories against Luka Pavlovic, Dino Prizmic, and Novak Djokovic.
Ruud reached this stage of the tournament after defeating Tommy Paul by 3-2 in a match that lasted 4 hours and 43 minutes. He had previously defeated Hamad Medjedovic.
Changes at Roland Garros
With Novak Djokovic’s exit, no former Grand Slam champions remain in the tournament. Roland Garros 2026 will therefore see a new Grand Slam champion emerge.
It marks the first time since 1968 that no former Grand Slam champions will compete in the round of 16 of the men’s singles at a Major.
- Carlos Alcaraz did not participate due to a right wrist injury.
- Jannik Sinner was eliminated in the second round.
- Daniil Medvedev fell in the first round.
Stan Wawrinka also exited in the first round.
Ruud was a finalist at the US Open in 2021 and Roland Garros in 2022.