Joao Fonseca couldn’t fight back the tears after prevailing in a five-set match at Roland Garros.
The 19-year-old rallied past 20-year-old Dino Prizmic for his 50th career victory.
Fonseca’s Comeback Victory
For the first time in his career, Fonseca prevailed in a five-set match, doing so from two sets down against Dino Prizmic. Fonseca grew in confidence as he chipped away at the scoreboard. The No. 28 seed completed a 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 comeback thanks to claiming six return games against the Croatian’s serve.
“I think he played really good in the first two sets. It was tough for me. I was not playing good and he was just destroying me,” Fonseca told press following his 50th career victory.
“I changed a little bit my game. I think going for the second serve returns inside the court to put a little bit more pressure and going more aggressive, which in the beginning I was trying to be more solid.”
Dream Djokovic Match Awaits
Awaiting Fonseca in the third round is a first-time clash with Novak Djokovic. Prior to his first two wins in Paris, Djokovic had fallen to Prizmic at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in his only other 2026 clay-court appearance.
Fonseca has been waiting for the stars to align with the 24-time major champion.
“I always talk to my coach, like, I want to be in Novak’s draw, because I know it’s not going to last too much. I just want to have this experience in my life,” he shared.
“I think I’m just going to enjoy it. Being in Roland Garros, third round, for me it’s just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport. Yeah, hopefully I can do a great match.”
Emotions on Court 14
The emotions immediately poured out from Fonseca after he crossed the finish line.
His match point clinched moment.
The respect between competitors.
Fonseca’s third round match at Roland Garros will be his first encounter with Novak Djokovic.