Joao Fonseca continues to make headlines in 2025, not just for his rise in the ATP rankings, but for a new milestone off the court. The 18-year-old Brazilian has become the youngest tennis player to reach one million followers on Instagram, according to Tennis365.
Fonseca hit the mark at 18 years and seven months old, surpassing Emma Raducanu, who reached the same milestone at 18 years and 10 months after her 2021 US Open victory. The list of previous record-holders also includes Grand Slam winners Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, who reached the mark at 19.
The Brazilian’s social media following has been increasing since his standout performances this year, in which he cracked the top 100 and now sits at a career-high No. 59 in the ATP rankings. With his massive following and talent, he is poised to carry the legacy of Brazil’s tennis legends such as Gustavo Kuerten, former World No. 1.
However, Fonseca has been clear that he wants to forge his own path. “I don’t like hearing comparisons because everyone has their time,” he said recently, according to Tennis Gazette. “Guga [Kuerten] is an idol not only for Brazilian tennis players but for all our people,” he explained.
“He is an idol as a player, an extraordinary person who has told me fantastic things and they deserve to be listened to. Sometimes they tell me I’m the next Kuerten, but I want to be Joao. Everyone writes their own story: I want to write mine,” he explained.
Strong start to 2025 season
Fonseca’s online success follows a string of breakthrough performances on tour. In February, he became the youngest Brazilian in the Open Era to reach an ATP semifinal at the Argentina Open, then reached his first tour-level final just days later. At 18 years and 5 months, Fonseca also became the youngest South American finalist since 2001.
He captured his first ATP title in Buenos Aires, beating Francisco Cerúndolo in straight sets. With the win, Fonseca moved into the top 75 and became Brazil’s No. 1 singles player on February 17. He also remains the only player born in 2006 or later to reach an ATP final.
Fonseca also won the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, further cementing his place as one of the sport’s most promising talents. Now firmly inside the top 100 and gaining attention worldwide, the 18-year-old’s rise in 2025 shows no signs of slowing down.