Teen sensation Fonseca comes of age by taming Djokovic at French Open

Novak Djokovic's latest bid to capture a record 25th Grand Slam title was left in tatters after a stunning third-round defeat by Brazilian teen sensation Joao Fonseca in an entertaining epic at the French Open on Friday.

Djokovic's 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 defeat meant the 39-year-old Serb's wait to surpass Margaret Court will go on in the twilight of a glorious career, as the draw in Paris opened up further a day after world number one Jannik Sinner's shock exit.

Victory in an epic clash lasting four hours and 53 minutes ensured that Fonseca became the first teenager to beat Djokovic at the Grand Slams, as he announced himself as another genuine contender to claim a maiden major crown.

Fonseca faces twice runner-up Casper Ruud, who came through his own marathon clash against Tommy Paul with a 4-6 6-7(4)6-4 7-6(4) 7-5 win.

"I actually didn't believe I could win the match, I just played and enjoyed being on the court. What an idol we have and what a pleasure it was to step onto the court against him, so I thank him. I'm very happy," Fonseca said.

He dedicated the hard-fought win to his mother, who was beaming in the stands on her birthday, while Djokovic walked off to a standing ovation from 15,000 fans and hailed his young opponent in his press conference later.

"Incredible match to be part of. Obviously a tough one for me to lose, being two sets to love up, but huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match," Djokovic said.

"I think he, without a doubt, was the better player in important moments in those crucial fourth and fifth sets. Some amazing exchanges and points. He just found incredible shots, lines. It was amazing.

"Not great for me to be facing a player playing at such a level, but I don't think I've done too much wrong with my game. It's just that he was just better."

While Djokovic was less sure about his return next year, Roland Garros will crown a first-time Grand Slam champion, with holder Carlos Alcaraz skipping the tournament due to a wrist injury and Sinner going down early.

"He definitely has the potential," a gracious Djokovic said of Fonseca's title chances.

Alexander Zverev is another player who will sense a glorious chance after three unsuccessful visits to finals, and the German remained on course with a 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-2 victory over French hope Quentin Halys.

Dutchman Jesper De Jong beat 13th seed Karen Khachanov 7-5 5-7 6-2 6-7(2) 6-2, Spaniard Rafael Jodar downed Alex Michelsen 7-6(2) 6-7(5) 4-6 6-3 6-3 and Czech Jakub Mensik stunned eighth seed Alex de Minaur 0-6 6-2 6-2 6-3.

They were joined by Andrey Rublev and Pablo Carreno Busta.

There were few surprises in the women's draw as four-times champion Iga Swiatek defeated fellow Pole Magda Linette 6-4 6-4, while Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva all moved into the next round.