Djokovic joins Sinner in French Open exits

Novak Djokovic became the latest high-profile casualty at the French Open on Friday after surrendering a two-set lead to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, reported Xinhua.

Fonseca, 19, rallied from two sets down to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in a thrilling third-round contest lasting four hours and 53 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The Brazilian became the first teenager to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam match and advanced to the last 16 of a major for the first time.

"I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could," Fonseca said. "Djokovic doesn't miss, and we still think he's 20."

Djokovic, who was chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, praised his young opponent after the match.

"Huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match," the 39-year-old veteran said. "Without a doubt he was the better player in the important moments."

The Serbian's exit came one day after world number one Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round defeat to Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Combined with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal before the tournament because of a wrist injury, the departures of Djokovic and Sinner have dramatically reshaped the men's draw and guaranteed that Roland Garros will crown a first-time men's Grand Slam champion this year.

Second seed Alexander Zverev kept his title hopes alive with a 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Frenchman Quentin Halys to reach the fourth round.

The German, runner-up in Paris in 2024, now stands among the leading contenders in the men's field. Two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud also advanced after battling past American Tommy Paul in five sets.

Elsewhere, Czech teenager Jakub Mensik upset eighth seed Alex de Minaur, while Dutchman Jesper de Jong knocked out 13th seed Karen Khachanov. Andrey Rublev progressed in straight sets.

Among the remaining men's players, only Zverev and Ruud have previously reached a Grand Slam singles final.

In the women's draw, Wang Xiyu defeated Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-3, 7-5 to become the first Chinese player to reach the fourth round in this year's singles competition.

The 24-year-old has yet to drop a set in Paris and achieved the best Grand Slam result of her career.

At her post-match press conference, Wang expressed surprise after learning that her live ranking had moved back inside the world's top 100.

"You have to learn to accept the results when they come," Wang said. "When difficulties appear, you have to face them and keep moving forward."

Wang will next face Romania's Sorana Cirstea, who recorded a rare 6-0, 6-0 victory over Argentina's Solana Sierra.

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow Pole Magda Linette and will next face Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.

Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, seventh seed Elina Svitolina and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann also progressed to the last 16.