18-year-old star Joao Fonseca is ready for his Indian Wells debut! A teenager enjoys the buzz around Tennis paradise, understanding why this tournament is considered as the fifth Major.
Joao is the leading player from the 2006 generation after conquering his first ATP title and cracking the top-70. Fourteen months ago, the Brazilian kicked off the 2024 season ranked 727th! He made a breakthrough run and entered the top-150 following ATP wins and his first Challenger title.
Fonseca conquered the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah despite being the youngest player in the draw. He gathered a boost ahead of 2025 and presented his vast talent on the big scene!
A teenager started the new season with the Canberra Challenger crown. Joao sailed throughthe Australian Open qualifying stage and arranged the first-round clash with Andrey Rublev. The young gun ousted the top-10 rival 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 and wrote history books.
At 18 years and four months, Fonseca became the fourth-youngest player with a top-10 triumph at Majors since 1990. He followedMario Ancic, Carlos Alcaraz andMarat Safin on the exclusive list. A few weeks later, the Brazilian conquered his first ATP title.
Joao defeated Francisco Cerundolo in the ATP 250 Buenos Aires final to secure his first ATP trophy. At 18 years and five months, hebecame the seventh-youngest champion on the ATP Tour since 1990. The explosive youngster is ready to make more damage in Indian Wells.
The Brazilian will face Jacob Fearnely in his first Indian Wells match.
"I'm trying to improve my game and make progress throughthe ATP ranking list so I can enter Masters 1000 and ATP 500 tournaments. My team and I are working hard to get me in a position to play alongside the rivals from the top. It feels fantastic to be here in Indian Wells.
I did not expect so many mountains and this beauty. The area for the players is also very nice, with grass spots and restaurants. Playing at such a big tournament is the goal of every player, and I want to thank the organizers for this opportunity.
People call this event the fifth Major, and I'm here to enjoy," Joao Fonseca said.
