An increasingly starless French Open men’s draw lost two more big names as Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic exited the tournament early Saturday morning (AEST).
De Minaur became the first player to lose a grand slam match after winning the opening set 6-0 in six years in a stunning mid-match capitulation in his 0-6 6-2 6-2 6-3 defeat against 20-year-old Jakub Mensik.
There was more history to come in Djokovic’s match as he coughed up a two-set-to-love lead for just the second time in his career – and first in 16 years.
Again it was a young star – Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca – who marked his arrival on the big stage with a 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 triumph.
There were also dramatic moments of tension in both matches.
The Australian was seen dropping his broken racket in a bin as Mensik – who two days ago dramatically collapsed in the heat in his match against Mariano Navone – dialled up the pressure.
It is the first time the Czech has beaten de Minaur in six meetings.
De Minaur said after the match he wants to quickly forget about the match.
“I feel like you only get so many opportunities in your career and you’ve got to be ready to take them, and when you don’t take them, it’s gut wrenching, right, especially a day like today (where) I was in the driver’s seat,” he said, according to foxsports.com.au.
“Things were feeling well. I was hitting the ball well. Physically (I was) fine. I’m going to have to find a way to do as I did last year, but it’s back-to-back years where I have kind of had a pretty disappointing stint here or tournament here at the French Open.
“I guess the good thing is I’ve got the grass coming up, which is a part of the year which I always really enjoy. I’m hoping that I can kind of get back to where I should be and the type of player I should be whenever I step out on court.
“That’s going to be the goal. But first I need to forget about today somehow.”
Meantime, Djokovic delivered a spray to a cameraman who ventured a little too close to the 39-year-old veteran during a change of ends.
“Can you come more in my face? For God’s sake, make some space,” the Serb railed.
Djokovic’s exit, which followed Jannik Sinner’s shock defeat the day before and Carlos Alcaraz missing the tournament with injury, will guarantee a first-time men’s grand slam winner is crowned at Roland Garros.
“What an incredible match to be part of,” said Djokovic.
“Huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match. Without a doubt he was the better player in crucial moments.”
Djokovic has been stuck on 24 majors since the 2023 US Open and may not get a better chance to add to that haul.
“You just have to say well done and congratulate him. He played lights-out tennis,” Djokovic said of Fonseca.
Fonseca, the 28th seed, can start dreaming after progressing through to the last 16 of a major for the first time.
He will next play two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul.
Asked how he kept believing after falling behind, Fonseca replied: “I actually didn’t.
“I just kept playing. I just enjoyed being on court. What a pleasure it was stepping on court with him (Djokovic) for the first time.
“I was trying to hit the ball as fast as I could. Djokovic, he does not miss.”
– with AFP
Originally published as Fuming Novak Djokovic, angry Alex de Minaur out of French Open