Fonseca was behind two sets to love in less than two hours, 39-year-old Djokovic defying father time once again and looking like a juggernaut on his way to another statement victory.
But the throngs of Brazilian supporters inside Chatrier, clad in green and gold flags, never stopped cheering for their hero. Fonseca gave them more fuel for their fire as the third set commenced. The No.28 seed had produced 13 winners in the first two sets. By the time he had completed the high-octane 84-minute fourth set he had 46 winners to his name.
“He just found incredible shots, lines,” Djokovic said. “It was just amazing from his side.”
A relentless commitment to power and pace from Fonseca forced Djokovic to stay behind his baseline. He deftly defused Fonseca’s power at times, but at others he was unable to contain the Brazilian and his hefty forehand.
“I was just trying to hit the ball as fast as I could,” Fonseca said. “Djokovic, he just doesn’t miss.”
Fonseca produced a total of 30 forehand winners across the third, fourth and fifth sets.
