Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca start time: When is…

Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca start time: When is French Open third-round blockbuster?

Novak Djokovic battles rising star Joao Fonseca for the first time in a blockbuster third-round match at the French Open.

The shock exit of world No 1 and pre-tournament favourite Jannik Sinner has left Djokovic as the only grand slam champion left in the Roland Garros draw, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined with a wrist injury.

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Djokovic, at 39, now has a big opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title, but he still faces a tricky road to the title and will play the talented teenager Fonseca for a place in the fourth round.

The Brazilian, 19, had to recover from two sets down to beat Dino Prizmic in the second round on Tuesday and will be looking for the biggest win of his young career.

When is Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca?

Many would have expected Djokovic v Fonseca to be the night session match, but instead Alexander Zverev will play against Frenchman Quentin Halys in the final match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Instead, Djokovic v Fonseca is the third match of the day, with a not before start time of 2:30pm BST (UK time). It could be slightly later than that depending on the earlier matches involving Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva.

Is the French Open on TV?

The tournament will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK as well as online on HBO Max.

In the US, it will be shown live on TNT Sports, Max, truTV and CNN.

What has Djokovic said about Fonseca?

“Fonseca has received plenty of praise in the last two years. I believe his potential and quality as a player are beyond doubt. He has tremendous support, that of the Brazilian public, and he’s a player who likes to perform on big stages, who thrives in major arenas, and who enjoys night sessions.

“He played a great match against [Jannik] Sinner in Indian Wells, beat [Andrey] Rublev in straight sets in Australia, and it’s clear he can step up in big matches and bring out his best, with very powerful shots.”

What has Fonseca said about Djokovic?

“I always say to my coach, I want to be in Novak’s draw because I know it’s not going to last too long (his career). I just want to have this experience in my life.

“I’m just going to enjoy it. For me, being in the Roland Garros third round is just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport.

“Hopefully, I can play a great match. Of course, stepping onto the court, I’m going to respect him, but I’ll also try to do my best and win this match.

“I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before. So, yeah, I think that’s it.”