Fonseca fights back from two sets down, sets up first meeting with Djokovic at Roland Garros
Down two sets, teenager João Fonseca rallies past Prizmic to reach third round, where he will face Novak Djokovic for the first time.
João Fonseca will play in the third round at Roland Garros. The Brazilian, in a tough spot against Dino Prizmic, ultimately had the last word (3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 in 3h27). The world No. 30 joins the round of 32, where he will face Novak Djokovic for the first time.
The Serb, meanwhile, eliminated Valentin Royer in the same time frame. The 19-year-old reflected on his victory over the Croatian before discussing his upcoming duel against the world No. 4.
“I’m very happy to have kept a positive mindset”
“The first two sets were tough. He did a great job putting a lot of pressure on my service games. I just tried to manage the match point by point from the third set onward.
Fortunately, there was a break that gave me a bit of hope. I stayed focused. I didn’t even think there were two sets left. I simply concentrated on the present moment, trying to break his serve, play better, and be more solid.
I changed my game a bit. I think I started aiming my second serve inside the court to apply more pressure and play more aggressively, whereas at the beginning I was trying to be more solid.
It was tough for me. I wasn’t playing well and he was destroying me. I’m very happy to have kept a positive attitude, a good state of mind. My body responded well,” Fonseca said, who will face Novak Djokovic in the next round.
“I hope I can play a great match”
“Playing against Novak (Djokovic) is a great pleasure. I always tell my coach that I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know he won’t be here forever. I just want to live this experience.
I think I’ll enjoy it as much as possible. Being in the third round of Roland Garros is a dream. I’ll savor every moment playing against an idol, the best player of all time.
Of course, when I step on court, I’ll respect that, but I’ll try to give my best. I hope I can play a great match,” the Brazilian concluded for Punto de Break.
