The clearest sign Father Time is closing in on Djokovic?

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: The clearest sign Father Time is closing in on Djokovic? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Novak Djokovic (left) was the only remaining Grand Slam champion left in the men's drawByJonathan Jurejko Sport tennis news reporter at Roland GarrosPublished49 minutes agoWhen you consider all the ingredients and put them together in one pot, you could only conclude Novak Djokovic and Joao Fonseca cooked up a French Open classic. A carnival atmosphere.

And a conclusion which nobody dared predict until Fonseca blasted down another ace to seal a victory which will never be forgotten. It was a match for the ages. Not only because of the quality and drama on display in a gripping contest - but for the fact Djokovic was old enough to be Fonseca's dad.

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Djokovic, 39, departed Roland Garros for what he once again conceded might the final time, while 19-year-old Fonseca lapped up the acclaim after what seems certain to be the first of many memorable Grand Slam victories. With Jannik Sinner beaten and Carlos Alcaraz injured, Djokovic has watched a golden opportunity to land a standalone record 25th major slip through his fingers. Sure, German second seed Alexander Zverev and two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud remain in that half of the draw.

But had fourth seed Djokovic come through against Fonseca - as looked likely when he was two sets up, with break points when leading 4-3 in the fourth - it felt like he would grind through the gears next week in cooler temperatures. Why beating Djokovic is coming of age moment for Fonseca Published1 hour agoFrench Open Daily: Djokovic knocked out in thriller Instead, he must now reset and recharge to go again at Wimbledon next month. Given he is a seven-time champion on a grass surface which younger players have struggled to master, Djokovic will always fancy his chances at the All England Club.

Djokovic can never be ruled out of becoming the oldest major men's singles champion in the Open Era, but Father Time has been sat waiting on Djokovic's shoulder for a good while. By rights, he should probably be basking in a post-retirement glow by now. Coaching a young compatriot away from the public glare like Andy Murray, perhaps.

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Doing a promotional tour for a new Netflix documentary like Rafael Nadal, maybe. While his long-time rivals move into the next phase of their lives, Djokovic was retching at the side of a court in an attempt to summon the energy to beat a teenager. It is a testament to his superpower that he still wants to push himself to such limits against much younger opponents.

As we have seen time and time again, Djokovic's insatiable appetite for the sport's biggest prizes will never diminish. But, having reached at least the semi-finals at the past five Grand Slams, this was the clearest sign yet that the ageing process was finally catching up with him.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.