Novak Djokovic involved in furious on-court moment during French Open clash with Joao Fonseca

World No. 4 and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic became embroiled in a heated confrontation during his French Open third-round match against Joao Fonseca.

A day on from World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s shock exit, the veteran Serb was in action against Brazil’s 28th seed Fonseca, with Djokovic having overcome French duo Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Valentin Royer in the first and second rounds, respectively.

Djokovic started well, winning the first two sets 6-4, 6-4 despite appearing annoyed throughout the contest.

Last time out against Royer, the French crowd made no secret of their allegiance to their compatriot, which caused Djokovic to snap back on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

At one point, the 39-year-old asked the umpire to tell the crowd to “have some respect” after a series of shouts from hecklers during his serve.

On Friday (May 29), a courtside cameraman bore the brunt of his frustrations between the second and third sets.

While the cameraman tried to get a closer shot of Djokovic, the tennis icon snapped: “Can you come more in my face? For God's sake, make some space!”

The staff member was then reportedly replaced at courtside following the incident.

Commentators defend Djokovic outburst

Commentator and former coach of Andy Murray, Miles Maclagan, reacted live on TNT Sports but appeared to defend Djokovic.

“Cameraman just getting a little too close for Djokovic,” he said. “You can understand that. It’s a hot day. You’re trying to find some room to breathe.”

Fellow commentator Nick Mullins added: “I've just been spending some time watching the poor old cameraman who got it in the face from Novak after Novak got it in the face, lens-wise, from the cameraman.

“Cedric Mourier, one of the assistant referees, came out just to make the point to the courtside cameraman that you can get close, but you can only get that close.

“That cameraman has now been substituted. There's a new one there.”

The heat has been a huge issue during the French Open, with Jakub Mensik describing the decision to continue playing as “insane” after he collapsed on court as temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius on Wednesday (May 27).

Djokovic has suggested matches be moved to later in the day if conditions prove too challenging.

After his second-round victory over Royer, he said: “When you play a three-and-a-half-hour match on clay, it’s long and very exhausting.

“At least in my opinion. Physically, I spent quite a bit of energy today on a very hot day in very challenging conditions. It was obviously my fault that I didn’t finish in straight sets because I was a break up twice in the third. I was just too passive on those points, and he took his chances and got the crowd support he was looking for.”