Joao Fonseca Opens Up on the Characteristics of Rafael Nadal that Inspired His Career

Joao Fonseca is a big fan of Roger Federer. He idolized the Swiss legend during his time on tour before retiring in 2022, meeting him for the first time in his career last year at the Laver Cup. However, during the course of Fonseca’s career, one player who has inspired him to aim to be the best is Rafael Nadal.

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, was known for his demanding competitive level on the court. He was the opposite of Federer, who had an enjoyable way of playing the game, making it look easy and always calm on the court. Nadal was a relentless pursuer of the ball, with a powerful serving technique and right forehand shot that stunned his opponents.

The Spaniard won 22 Grand Slams, 14 of which came at the French Open. Known as the King of Clay, he won over 60 tour-level titles on the surface and he’s arguably the best player to ever grace the court. Several players in the past have revealed that the 40-year-old is their idol and tennis GOAT.

Fonseca, who turned pro in 2024 has been getting better on the court as the year progresses. He now has two tour-level titles on tour, the most by any 19-year-old on tour. Earlier this month, he reached the quarter-finals of the French Open, his best run in a Grand Slam tournament, and defeated former World No.1 Novak Djokovic en route to the last eight.

He’s set to play at the Wimbledon Championships, which starts on Monday (June 29) at the All England Club. Ahead of his opening match at the tournament, he revealed that Nadal’s hard work and talent inspired him as a teenager to put in more work on the court, which eventually helped him reach his goals faster on tour:

I’m a Federer fan, I always watched him, but now I feel more inclined to talk about Nadal. Nadal is a very talented guy, but people sometimes only focus on his hard work, the way he fights, how he gives his all. Yes, but you have to combine both things. That always inspired me. When I was younger, I wasn’t the hardest worker. At 13 or 14, I understood that by combining the two, I would reach my goals faster. That was the first thing that clicked for me.

Fonseca now has a chance to reach another Grand Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon. He faces Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut in the opening round and he’s projected to meet Djokovic for the second time this season in the fourth round. He’s one of the dark horses to win the championship at the All England Club.

Joao Fonseca rubbishes serious injury scare ahead of Wimbledon

Joao Fonseca has not had a spectacular grass-court campaign going into Wimbledon. The Brazilian teenager lost to Yannick Hanfmann in the round of 32 of the Terra Wortmann Open and then decided to withdraw from the Eastbourne International due to an injury. However, he reached the final of the doubles at the Terra Wortmann Open alongside Daniel Altmaier.

The duo failed to win the doubles, losing to Albano Olivetti and Theo Arribage in the championship match. Coming into Wimbledon, there were worries that he might not be 100% fit for the event, but the 19-year-old has rubbished those anxiety talks, claiming that he’s at his best physical level at the grass-court Grand Slam:

It wasn’t anything serious. It was a purely precautionary decision, so I could play here at 100%. Obviously, the main goal was always to play Wimbledon at 100%, which is why we didn’t want to risk adding Eastbourne. I already feel that way, I feel at my best. Training is going great. It’s incredible to be here; I see every match as an opportunity. I’ll be making my debut on Court 18.

Fonseca will face a tough physical and mental test at Wimbledon. After his outstanding performance at the French Open, he is expected to deliver at the same level in London, which might be difficult given his recent form on grass this season.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Explains the Secret Behind Novak Djokovic’s Longevity