French Open 2026: Joao Fonseca powers past Casper Ruud in thriller to reach quarter-finals at Roland-Garros - ‘It’s all heart’

The 19-year-old came from two sets down to beat Novak Djokovic in the previous round, but there was no hangover from that incredible contest.

Fonseca and two-time finalist Ruud put on a show for the fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier, but it was the Brazilian who prevailed in four sets, 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-2.

He had never before reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam but is now into a maiden quarter-final as a fairytale Roland-Garros triumph starts to feel like a distinct possibility.

Up next for Fonseca is Jakub Mensik, who came through a thriller of his own, beating Andrey Rublev in five sets.

Asked how he was feeling after another marathon contest, Fonseca said: "I feel tired. It’s always a first time for me. It’s a new experience getting through to the second week of a Grand Slam is always tough, but it’s all heart."

Fonseca started the match the brighter and had three break points for a 3-1 lead. However, he was unable to convert as Ruud displayed the battling qualities that was the hallmark of his win over Tommy Paul in the previous round.

But Fonseca was eventually able to make the breakthrough at a pivotal moment. After a sublime winner at deuce as Ruud served to stay in the set at 5-6, the Norwegian dumped a forehand into the net to hand his opponent the early lead.

Fonseca then threatened to run away with it when he broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, but once again Ruud responded, immediately breaking back and then restoring parity.

It turned into a marathon set of immense quality as the pair battled for supremacy. First, Ruud squandered three break points at 5-5 before he saved two in the next game to force a tie-break.

But Ruud was made to pay for letting three set points come and go in the breaker, as Fonseca eventually claimed it to move another step closer to a quarter-final spot.

The third set was another tight affair, but this time it was the Norwegian who produced the goods when it mattered most.

Leading 6-5 and with another tie-break looming, he opened up two set points on his opponent’s serve and took the second of them when Fonseca netted a tough volley.

But Fonseca broke Ruud in the first game of the fourth set to wrestle the momentum back immediately, and from there, he never looked back.

He moved a double break up to all but guarantee his progress and wrapped it up in style with a hold to love.

"He [Ruud] is a very experienced guy and he knows how to play here on this amazing court," Fonseca continued. "He has [been in] two finals so it was tough in the beginning, but I played really good in the important moments in the first and second sets and I was very happy because of that.

"I just try to be me on the court, try to be happy, try to hit winners, try to hit good shots. I try to entertain and be me and that’s what it is."

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