Joao Fonseca wanted to be in the same section of the draw as Novak Djokovic and his wish has come true at the French Open where the two will lock horns on Friday.
The Brazilian world No.30 moved into the third round at Roland Garros by coming back from two sets down to defeat Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. Fonseca is only the third teenager this century to win a Grand Slam match after dropping the first two sets and the first to do so since Thanasi Kokkinakis in 2015. The only player to do so was Roger Federer in 2001.
Fonseca will next take on Djokovic, who came through his match against Valentin Royer in four sets. It will be the first Tour-level meeting between the two. The Brazilian describes the upcoming clash as a ‘big pleasure’ as he chases after his first top 10 win of the season.
“I always say to my coach, I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know it’s not going to last too long (his career). I just want to have this experience in my life,” Fonseca told reporters.
“I’m just going to enjoy it. For me, being in the Roland Garros third round is just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport.”
The teenager is playing in only his second French Open main draw. Last season, he rapidly rose up the rankings after winning an ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires and a 500 in Basel. Earlier this year, he became only the third player from his country to reach the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo.
“Hopefully, I can do a great match. Of course, stepping on the court, of course I’m going to respect him, but trying to do my best and win this match.” Fonseca commented.
“I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before. So, yeah, I think that’s it.”
Fonseca has the weapons to produce an upset should he manage to stay consistent and minimise his unforced errors. There are also lingering questions about Djokovic’s current form after his late start to the clay swing due to injury. With no wins on the surface prior to playing in Paris, the Serbian has already dropped a set in his first two matches played against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Royer.
Djokovic will also have to cope with the army of Brazilian fans, who are renowned for being highly animated when Fonseca is playing. So much so that in Rome, the youngster pleaded with them to show more restraint.
“I think his potential and quality as a tennis player is obvious, no doubt about it,” Djokovic said of his next opponent.
“He’s got big Brazilian support anywhere he goes.
“I think he’s a big-stage player. He really loves the occasion and loves to play night sessions. He played a great match with (Jannik) earlier this year at Indian Wells. He won against Rublev in Australia in straight sets. So he can definitely step up in the big occasion and deliver big shots, big game.”
Fonseca is aiming to become the first Brazilian to beat Djokovic at a Tour-level event.
