Fonseca's French Open Upset Reshapes Men's Draw

PARIS – Joao Fonseca, a 19-year-old Brazilian qualifier, knocked Novak Djokovic out of the French Open in the third round on Friday. The 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory after four hours and 53 minutes ended Djokovic's latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title. The loss leaves the men's draw without the world number one (Jannik Sinner, eliminated Thursday) or the two-time defending champion (Carlos Alcaraz, absent with injury). A first-time major champion is guaranteed at Roland Garros this year.

For traders who track sports-betting markets or sponsorship-linked equities, the result shifts the tournament's probability tree. Djokovic had been the consensus favourite despite his age (39) and a so-so clay season. His exit, combined with Sinner's and Alcaraz's absences, creates an open path for Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, or an unseeded run.

The Catalyst: Djokovic's Exit

Djokovic led by a break early in the fifth set but could not close. Fonseca played