Joao Fonseca's talent had been known to experts for quite some time, but hardly anyone could have imagined that the 18-year-old Brazilian could already be a factor in the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
His improvements in recent months have left everyone speechless and are worthy of the sport's great champions, as well as his innate ability to raise his level against top-level (and more experienced than him) opponents.
The current world number 60 had already demonstrated his skills at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating a Top 10 player like Andrey Rublev in the first round thanks to a simply incredible performance that really impressed the Russian.
In this first segment of the season, Joao won his first ATP title in Buenos Aires and also captured two Challenger titles (in Canberra and Phoenix, respectively).
Humbert praises Fonseca
Thanks to conditions very suited to his game, Fonseca is also shining at the Miami Open these days. He beat young American star Learner Tien in the first round and prevailed over Ugo Humbert in the second round, delighting the crowd with another very brilliant performance on the Hard Rock Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
When I faced Fonseca, I felt the same feelings I felt when I challenged Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz" - Humbert confessed after being defeated in two sets by young Brazilian in Florida.
He played at a very high level indeed, rarely have I faced an opponent who hits the ball so hard from the baseline. I had felt quite similar against Alcaraz in Davis Cup and against Sinner in Rome.
He was better than me in all aspects of the game, I congratulate him. I gave my best and tried to resist in all ways, but he was better and deserved to win - concluded the French ace.
Fonseca will be back in action against Alex de Minaur today, looking to pull off another feat and enter the round of 16.
