Novak Djokovic, down to limited physical reserves after a long, chaotic match, vomited into the red dust while returning to his chair. Despite losing from two sets up only rarely, Djokovic could not find a comeback path against Joao Fonseca. Fonseca, a 19-year-old Brazilian, refused to collapse after being thoroughly outplayed for two sets and instead tightened his play with precise serving and improved toughness. He won 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after 4 hours and 53 minutes, delivering a career-defining victory. The match featured intense Brazilian support and highlighted Fonseca’s self-belief and enjoyment on court.
"Djokovic limped back to his chair four hours into a tennis match that had descended into hell, the 24-times grand slam winner did not have much more to give. A two-set lead had unravelled and his 39-year-old body had hit a wall against a shining opponent 20 years his junior. Having reached the umpire's chair, Djokovic vomited into the red dust. Still, nobody has mastered the art of finding victory from a miserable position quite like Djokovic, so everybody inside Court Philippe-Chatrier knew he could conjure a path through."
"It took the most courageous, headstrong performance from Joao Fonseca to refuse his legendary opponent a way back. The 19-year-old Brazilian held on for a career-defining victory, closing out an astounding 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 win after 4hr 53min. While Fonseca is still a teenager this victory was a long time coming considering his talent and the attention that has been on him."
"Fonseca was asked about the self-belief that underscored the victory during his on-court interview. I just played, he said. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was. For Djokovic, this is just the second time he has lost from two sets up, the other occasion coming in a 2010 French Open quarter-final against Jurgen Melzer."
"Djokovic had started impressively, breaking Fonseca in the Brazilian's opening service game. For two sets, he served well, dictated from the baseline with his forehand, and exposed Fonseca's average movement. He established a two-set lead. Fonseca has received more hype than any other young player in recent years, the attention driven by his nuclear forehand and the passionate, ever-present Brazilian fanbase desperate to crown a new champion."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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