How being 'third guy' in Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer rivalry gives Novak Djokovic advantage over Jannik Sinner - Joao Fonseca

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Brazilian prodigy Joao Fonseca believes there is one key attribute separating Novak Djokovic from Jannik Sinner, which the Serbian gained from his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Can Fonseca upset Djokovic after 'biggest moment of career?'

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Fonseca booked his place in the third round of the French Open on Wednesday by coming from two sets behind to claim a gruelling five-set victory against fellow youngster Dino Prizmic.

In a mouthwatering battle of generations, he will now face 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic - whose charge in Paris continued with a four-set win over Valentin Royer.

Speaking in a press conference after his win, Fonseca was asked about similarities between Djokovic and current world No. 1 Sinner - and pinpointed the quality Djokovic gained from his years of intense on-court rivalry with Federer and Nadal.

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"Well, they are two machines," Fonseca said on Sinner and Djokovic.

"I still think Novak, because of the third guy that he says and everyone says [he was] after Federer and Nadal, he needed to have a great mentality.

"I think that's the main difference. I mean, both of them play unbelievable. I can't say nothing about them. It's just like winning everything."

Highlights: Fonseca fights back from two sets down to tee up Djokovic clash

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At Roland-Garros, Djokovic is looking to become the most successful player at major tournaments in the sport's history. His 24 titles are tied in the all-time record books by Margaret Court, and the Serbian continues to compete for silverware at 39 years old.

Sinner, meanwhile, is on a scintillating run of form which saw him become the youngest man to complete the Golden Masters before the French Open, as he won five ATP 1000 events in a row to complete the sweep.

"The history that Djokovic did for this sport and what Sinner is doing right now is just unbelievable, but I think it's still the mentality," Fonseca said.

"I think Jannik is going to, well, I can't say that he's going to just be great as Novak or Nadal or Federer, but I think he's going to be one of those guys.

"Maybe he's going to reach it. I don't know. But with this consistency and the way that he's playing, the way that he's dealing with pressure is really unbelievable.

"Yeah, I think having Novak in this sport is just a pleasure. He inspired me. He inspired the next generation and the generation before. So, yeah, I think that's it."

'Emotional scenes' as 'magnificent' Fonseca fights back to win five-setter

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McEnroe, Henman on Fonseca's win

TNT Sports expert Tim Henman was enthused by the manner in which Fonseca came back to book his third-round spot.

The 19-year-old came to life after falling two sets behind. He broke Prizmic's serve six times without reply in the final three sets, having failed to do so before that, and his third-round clash with Djokovic will mark the first time the two have met on tour.

"I think it’s a good sign for Fonseca [coming through in five sets]," Henman said. "The one question mark for Fonseca has been the physicality.

"It looks like he can get fitter and stronger. For him to be down two sets today and then come back and win is good for him mentally."

TNT Sports expert John McEnroe said: "I’m picking Djokovic to win but I think that’s one of the biggest moments of Fonseca’s career so far and will open him up. He has so much expectation and it’s such a great result for him. This is big for him."

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