Historic comeback: Meet the only player apart from Joao Fonseca to defeat Djokovic after trailing 0–2 at a slam!

Joao Fonseca matches Jurgen Melzer’s feat against Novak Djokovic

Djokovic will be disappointed by his exit, but he boasts an absolutely phenomenal 279-2 record after winning the first two sets at Grand Slams.

Fonseca represents one of those rare defeats, with the Brazilian teenager having followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Melzer.

The Austrian took on Djokovic in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros in 2010, when he produced a stunning comeback.

Melzer emerged victorious 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(7-3), 6-4 to reach the semifinals, where he was beaten by eventual champion Rafael Nadal.

Jurgen Melzer’s achievements in the ATP

Although 2010 brought Melzer his deepest run at a Grand Slam, he found more consistent success in doubles, capturing two men’s titles alongside Philipp Petzschner and a mixed title with Iveta Benesova.

He reached the top 10 in both singles and doubles rankings over his career, collecting five singles titles and an additional 17 in doubles.

The former Wimbledon boys’ champion retired from professional tennis in 2021 after his final appearance in Vienna. Last year, he guided Austria to the Davis Cup quarterfinals as team captain.

Melzer ended his playing days after pairing with Alexander Zverev, who is now looking to win his first major at Roland Garros this season.

With Djokovic out and top seed Jannik Sinner also eliminated early, Zverev has emerged as the current favourite to take home the title.