Fonseca, 19, shows title credentials by backing up Djokovic winImage source, ReutersImage caption, Joao Fonseca had never previously gone beyond the third round at a Grand SlamByElizabeth BotcherbyBBC Sport journalistPublishedBrazilian rising star Joao Fonseca showcased his title credentials by grinding out a four-set victory over two-time finalist Casper Ruud to book his place in the French Open quarter-finals.The 19-year-old, who had fought back from two sets down to win his previous two matches, proved his coming-of-age third-round win over Novak Djokovic was no fluke by overpowering the 15th seed to win a bruising match 7-5 7-6 (10-8) 5-7 6-2.
It capped off another astonishing day in Paris where the next generation made their mark, with Fonseca’s fellow 19-year-old Rafael Jodar and Czech Jakub Mensik, 20, also reaching the last eight at a major for the first time.
Taken to a decider by Andrey Rublev after leading 2-0, Mensik broke the 11th seed in the eighth game of the fifth set and later saved two break points before closing out the win to set up a quarter-final meeting with Fonseca.
Spaniard Jodar will face second seed Alexander Zverev – the oldest player in his half of the draw by nearly a decade – after beating compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2.
“I just try to be me on court – try to be happy, try to hit winners, try to hit good shots, and bring entertainment,” Fonseca mentioned on court.
“It’s a new experience for me. Getting through to the second week of a Grand Slam is always tough, but it’s all heart. We try to but heart into it and just focus point by point.”
