Novak Djokovic Sparks Retirement Fears After Jim Courier’s Sad Take On His French Open Future
Djokovic said he may not return after a five-set loss ended his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
- On Friday, 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca eliminated 39-year-old Novak Djokovic in the French Open third round, ending the veteran's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title after a stunning five-set comeback at Roland Garros.
- Djokovic had emerged as the tournament favorite following world number one Jannik Sinner's shock exit, as two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was already missing due to injury.
- Over four hours and 53 minutes, Fonseca became the first teenager to defeat Djokovic at a Grand Slam, firing 68 winners to secure a 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory.
- Asked if he would return next year, Djokovic shrugged, "I don't know," admitting, "Obviously not great for me to be facing a player playing in such level."
- While Djokovic remains stuck on 24 majors, Fonseca emerged as a new superstar, signaling a potential changing of the guard in professional tennis.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Novak Djokovic Sparks Retirement Fears After Jim Courier’s Sad Take On His French Open Future
With neither Jannik Sinner nor Carlos Alcaraz standing in his path, Novak Djokovic arrived at his French Open third-round clash sensing a golden opening for Grand Slam No. 25. Two sets ahead against Joao Fonseca, the Serbian GOAT seemed firmly on course for another deep Roland Garros run. But one fierce comeback from the Brazilian wonderkid changed the mood completely, and now Djokovic’s return to Paris next year hangs over a far harsher reality…
Will Novak Djokovic play in French Open ever again after suffering shock loss to Joao Fonseca?
Novak Djokovic was stunned in the third round by Brazil's Joao Fonseca in the French Open 2026 as the Serb lost a marathon game 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 on Friday, May 29. Djokovic was in pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title; however, his wait continued as he suffered his earliest exit from Roland Garros since 2009. Djokovic was unsure when asked about his future in Paris. "I don’t know," Djokovic replied when asked whether he would be back next …
Tennis veteran Djokovic will not promise that he will be on the list of participants at next year's French Open.
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