After a blistering start to the year, which included defeating Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open and claiming the ATP Buenos Aires title, Joao Fonseca has experienced some ups and downs in performance.
His results reflected these fluctuations, including an exit in the third round of the Miami Masters 1000. The 18-year-old took a brief pause from competition and and returned to action at the Madrid Masters 1000, where he advanced past the first round with a win over Denmark’s Elmer Moller.
Ahead of his Madrid debut, Fonseca engaged in a fun exercise where he built his ideal tennis player. Unsurprisingly, his choices featured the “Big Three”—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
Fonseca highlighted the forehand of Juan Martin del Potro and the serve of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. From Djokovic, he selected the backhand; from Federer, the volley and slice; and from Nadal, his movement and mental toughness.
Joao Fonseca of Brazil celebrates a point against Elmer Moeller of Denmark during Day Three of the Mutua Madrid Open. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Fonseca dreams of facing Djokovic
Still early in his ATP career, Joao Fonseca has yet to face many of the sport’s elite, including Novak Djokovic. Speaking to ESPN, he shared his enthusiasm: “Every time I go to a major tournament, I tell my coach I hope I get to play Djokovic. The result would matter the least; I’d try to enjoy every moment on the court”.
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He added, “What excites me most is competing against the best in the world. I thrive on those challenges because I feel no pressure. I want to play against the most iconic players in tennis history, and I know opportunities to face Novak might be limited”.
Maturity sets Fonseca apart
When asked about his edge over players his age, Fonseca pointed to his maturity: “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I consider myself very mature for my age. My parents and team always tell me I absorb things quickly and naturally, which isn’t typical for someone my age”.
“For example, I understood early on the consistency and work ethic required to transition to the professional level. From the moment I decided to pursue tennis as a career, I’ve been very disciplined. I believe my maturity is what sets me apart,” Fonseca explained.
Chasing a second ATP title
Fonseca, who already knows the taste of victory with his Buenos Aires Open title against local favorite Francisco Cerundolo, began his Madrid Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Denmark’s Elmer Moller.
The young Brazilian will face a tougher test on Saturday, April 26, when he goes up against American Tommy Paul, hoping to continue his pursuit of a second ATP title.
