Tears of joy: Joao Fonseca wins first five-setter to make dream of facing Novak Djokovic come true at Roland Garros

Joao Fonseca couldn’t fight back the tears Wednesday at Roland Garros.

For the first time in his career, the 19-year-old prevailed in a five-set match. And he did it from two sets down against a fellow Next Gen competitor in Dino Prizmic.

After going without a break point chance until the third set, Fonseca grew in confidence as he chipped away at the scoreboard. By the time their encounter approached three and a half hours, 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.”

The emotions immediately poured out from Fonseca after he crossed the finish line. A taste of the scene on Court 14:

Awaiting the Brazilian in the third round? A first-time clash with Novak Djokovic, who prior to his first two wins in Paris this week over Frenchmen Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Valentin Royer, had fallen to Prizmic at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in his only other 2026 clay-court appearance.

Fonseca, as it turns out, has patiently been waiting for the stars to align with the 24-time major champion standing across the net.

“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.”