Joao Fonseca Explains How Roland Match Versus Jakub Mensik Was Different Compared to Ones He Played Against Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud

Joao Fonseca‘s Roland Garros match ended on Tuesday (June 2). Up against him in his career’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal was Jakub Mensik, who, with scores of 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3), booked a spot in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time in his career.

It was Fonseca who ended three-time Roland Garros champion Novak Djokovic‘s run in the third round after a five-set battle, registering his career’s biggest win. Next, he overcame three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in the fourth round. At the press conference after his exit, Fonseca explained why his match against the Czech ace was different compared to the ones he played against Djokovic and Ruud.

This year, I had already played two big matches in Roland Garros against Djokovic and Ruud. Today, the level also seemed very high to me in terms of experience and game feeling. It was a different type of match, with different conditions: today the roof was closed, the court was slower, and the ball bigger.

Mensik met Fonseca in the group stage of the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, which the Brazilian ace won, and later defeated Learner Tien in the final. They were then scheduled to meet in the round of 16 of the 2025 Swiss Indoors, but Mensik withdrew. Later, Fonseca defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final.

The most different thing today was Mensik’s playing style. He stayed a lot at the back of the court, always opening angles. He applied a lot of pressure, liked to take risks, and moved quite well at the net. The level was very high, and although I can’t exactly compare it to other matches, I would say it was at the level of the previous ones.

Joao Fonseca added

Before this Roland Garros, Fonseca had never made it past the third round of a Major. Mensik, on the other hand, made just one fourth round of a Major before this event. Mensik will next be locking horns with Alexander Zverev, who ended Rafael Jodar‘s run in the quarterfinals. Sascha has met Mensik just once, in the fourth round of this year’s Roland Garros, which the former won in three sets.

Djokovic will continue his hunt for his 25th Major at Wimbledon. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has already played one Major final this year (he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final).

Joao Fonseca will next be preparing for the grass swing

The conclusion of Roland Garros will mark the start of the grass swing. Joao Fonseca, the winner of two ATP titles (last year’s Argentina Open and the Swiss Indoors), has never won a title on grass. Last year on the grass swing, the 19-year-old featured in three tournaments.

Flavio Cobolli knocked him out in the first round of the Halle Open, and later, eventual champion Taylor Fritz beat him in the second round of the Eastbourne International. At Wimbledon, Nicolas Jarry eliminated him in the third round.

I like playing on grass; it’s fun for me, but I take it step by step. I always enjoy playing on grass, even if it’s a short period. Now I will rest a bit at home, maximum for a week, enjoy with the family, and then prepare for the next part of the season.

Joao Fonseca said at the press conference after his Roland Garros exit

This year’s Wimbledon starts on June 29. World No.1 Jannik Sinner will enter the tournament as the defending champion. Last year, the Italian ace defeated two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who will skip it this time due to a wrist injury.

Also read: Maja Chwalinska Stays Humble Despite Roland Garros Quarterfinal Run: “I Am Still the Player with Lowest Ranking”