Fonseca compares Sinner and Djokovic before facing the Serbian at Roland Garros

Pedro de Pablos | 27 May 2026 | 22.35

Streaming French Open live tennis

🎾 Francisco Cerundolo vs Hugo Gaston

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Joao Fonseca has just achieved the most epic victory of his career by coming back from two sets down for the first time in a Grand Slam and defeating Dino Prizmic at Roland Garros 2026, setting up a third-round clash with Novak Djokovic. It will be the first time the young Brazilian tennis player faces off against the Serbian, and he has spoken about this anticipated duel in a press conference.

In addition, Fonseca has also analyzed the main differences between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, praising both and acknowledging that he always told his coach he wanted to be on Djokovic's side of the draw to face him at least once before he retires. This Friday, he will finally have the opportunity to do so, against his idol and the player who inspired him to become the star he is today.

Fonseca analyzes his epic comeback against Prizmic

Yes, the first two sets were tough. He was serving very well and putting a lot of pressure on my service games. I was just trying to deal with the situation and focusing on the third set point by point. Luckily, I got a break, and there was a glimmer of hope. I stayed focused. I didn't even think about there being two sets left. I just concentrated on the present, trying to break his serve, play better, and be more solid.

I changed my game slightly. I think I started trying to return the second serve inside the court to exert more pressure and play more aggressively, whereas initially, I was aiming for solidity. It was tough for me. I wasn't playing well, and he was outplaying me. I am very happy to have maintained a positive attitude, a good mindset. My body responded well, and I achieved it after two sets.

Facing Prizmic as the favorite

I stepped onto the court thinking it was going to be a tough battle. I know his potential; he just defeated Novak. He can be very solid. He masters all groundstrokes and plays well on this surface. Of course, sometimes there's a bit of pressure and focus, but I think I will play with them for, I don't know, 10 or 15 years. There's always a first time. So, I just need to focus on what I have to do and not on what he does or what he's capable of doing, or his age.

Talent of the new generations

I believe Mensik, Prizmic, and I have powerful shots. There are also Learner Tien, Jodar, and Landaluce. Many players from the new generation are playing very well. Each has their potential. For instance, Jodar is very solid. Learner Tien doesn't miss a ball and keeps going. I like to be more aggressive; Prizmic has a lot of intensity, Mensik has a powerful serve and very strong groundstrokes... I think what sets us apart from other young players the most is maturity. I think they handle pressure well. Dino needs to learn quickly how to play crucial points, deal with pressure, and that's the main reason. Sometimes it's not just about technique, powerful shots, or consistency but also about maturity.

Facing Djokovic in the next round

Playing against Novak is a great pleasure. I always tell my coach that I want to be in Novak's draw because I know it won't last long. I just want to live this experience. I think I will enjoy it to the fullest. Being at Roland Garros in the third round is a dream. I will enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the greatest of all time. Hopefully, I can play a great match. Of course, when stepping onto the court, I'll respect him, but I'll try to give my best and win this match.

Differences between Djokovic and Sinner

Well, they are two machines. I still think that Novak, by what he says and everyone mentions after Federer and Nadal, needed an even better mindset. I believe that's the main difference. Both play incredibly. I can't say anything about them; they just win everything. The legacy Djokovic created in this sport and what Sinner is doing right now is incredible, but I still think it's the mindset.

I think Jannik will... well, I can't say he will be as big as Novak, Nadal, or Federer, but I think he will be one of them. Maybe he achieves it. I don't know, but with this consistency and the way he plays, how he handles pressure is truly remarkable. Yes, I believe having Novak in this sport is a real pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the previous one. So yes, I think that's it.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca compara a Sinner y Djokovic antes de enfrentarse al serbio en Roland Garros