France

Djokovic Unsure on French Open Future After Early Loss

Is Djokovic facing an inevitable decline or was his defeat due to Fonseca's unstoppable performance?

Published MAY 31

Djokovic Unsure on French Open Future After Early Loss

Story

Above: Novak Djokovic (L) and João Fonseca at Roland-Garros on May 29, 2026. Image credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The Facts

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic told reporters he doesn't know whether he will return to the French Open at Roland-Garros next year, following his third-round defeat to Brazilian 19-year-old sensation João Fonseca on Friday.
Express.co.uk
Newsweek
Djokovic lost 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 before 15,000 fans at Court Philippe-Chatrier in his longest-ever French Open match, lasting four hours and 53 minutes. This was only the second time in his career that Djokovic lost from two sets up, the other in 2010 also at Roland-Garros.
Roland-Garros
Reuters
The 39-year-old, who said earlier this year that he's still motivated to compete, has previously hinted he could retire after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Last year, Djokovic also said he was unsure if he would return to the French Open after his semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner.
ESPN
Sky Sports
The Associated Press
Djokovic won his record-equaling 24th Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 U.S. Open and has since failed in his chase for the 25th. At January's Australian Open, he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
The New York Times
The Telegraph
The French Open was only the third tournament that Djokovic played since his defeat in Australia, with two wins and one defeat at Indian Wells and one defeat in Rome. He missed much of the season due to a shoulder injury.
ATP Tour
ESPN
Express.co.uk
The Associated Press
Meanwhile, Fonseca will face off two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud in the fourth round with hopes to become the third Brazilian ever to win major singles titles, following Maria Ester Bueno and Gustavo Kuerten.
BBC News
Roland-Garros

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Djokovic's loss to 19-year-old Fonseca was a reckoning that the physical edge that once made him untouchable has clearly eroded now that he's 39. His own admission that he was "barely standing" on his legs says everything. When the greatest champion in tennis history can't confirm whether he'll return to Roland Garros next year, the end is closer than anyone wants to admit.

GB News

Narrative B

Anyone claiming that this loss is a sign of decline misses the point entirely. After all, Djokovic posted 70 winners, 39 unforced errors, and 71% first serves. These stats show a man who played well against someone who delivered a stunning performance. Instead of rushing to declare a legend's retirement, people should praise Fonseca for his win.