Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Makes Cryptic “Novak Djokovic” Admission on Joao Fonseca at Basel

19-year-old Joao Fonseca collected his first ATP 500 title in Basel.


Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Makes Cryptic “Novak Djokovic” Admission on Joao Fonseca at Basel

Joao Fonseca and Novak Djokovic (via Punto de Break)

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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina could not hold back his admiration after watching Joao Fonseca lift the Basel trophy. Fonseca played like he belonged at the very top of the sport, beating his opponent 6-3 6-4 to secure his first ATP 500 title. Fokina praised the Brazilian’s composure and fearless ball striking throughout the match.

Fokina even mentioned that Fonseca has the potential to become the “third guy” of this generation. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have already established themselves as the big two of the moment. Fokina believes Fonseca has the talent and fire to join them, just like Novak Djokovic once emerged to challenge Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in a past era. Davidovich Fokina said in his post-match ceremony:

You played unbelievable tennis today. You are the person of this sport. You have a bright future for sure. You’re gonna be the next Nole to beat Carlos and Jannik for sure.

The hype around Fonseca is not new. Many people still remember his straight set win over Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open at the start of the season, one of the earliest signs that something extraordinary might be brewing.

He helped Team World win the Laver Cup recently, showing he thrives in big environments and loves the spotlight. Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last eight Grand Slam titles across the last two years, which has sparked endless debate about who might rise to join them at the top. Fonseca is starting to look like the answer many have been waiting for.

Joao Fonseca wins biggest career title

Joao Fonseca kept his momentum rolling in Basel with another impressive trophy run. The teenager handled the final with confidence, beating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 for his first ATP 500 title. At only 19, he showed no fear on one of the biggest stages of his career. His hard-hitting and calm delivery made the difference.

Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca (via Davis Cup)

He is now the first Brazilian since 2001 to capture a title above the ATP 250 level. He is also among the youngest to ever lift an ATP 500 trophy. Fonseca has already built a strong list of results this season. Big wins at Grand Slams and tour events have pushed him up the rankings very fast.

His rise began with a strong upset over Andrey Rublev in Melbourne. He later won in Buenos Aires, becoming the youngest South American champion of the modern era. Success at the Next Gen Finals last year hinted at what was coming. Climbing from outside the Top 100 to the Top 30 in less than a year is simply remarkable.

Davidovich Fokina once again fell short in a title match, despite a solid week. Fonseca controlled the rallies with heavy forehands and steady aggression, finishing with more winners than mistakes. The Spaniard will reach a new career-high ranking on Monday, though the loss adds to a growing list of painful finals. Fonseca now leads their head-to-head and continues to look like one of the brightest new stars on the ATP Tour.

Joao Fonseca’s prize money revealed

Brazilian tennis star Joao Fonseca finished a brilliant week in Basel by defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 and securing his biggest title so far. The 19-year-old stood strong through a chaotic event filled with retirements and injuries. His reward is huge. He earns 500 ranking points and a career-best position of No. 28 on Monday. He also collects €471,825 in prize money, a notable jump from last year’s champion payout.

Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca (via US Open)

Davidovich Fokina leaves with mixed feelings. Another final, another near miss. His run still brings him 330 points and a move to world No. 15. The Spaniard also receives €253,875 for finishing runner-up. It is a solid week on paper, even if the result stings.

Ugo Humbert and Jaume Munar made surprise semifinal appearances. Both earn 200 points and €135,300 each for their strong efforts. Quarterfinalists Reilly Opelka, Casper Ruud, Denis Shapovalov, and Felix Auger-Aliassime grab 100 points and €69,125. Ruud and Auger-Aliassime will still need more results in Paris to chase ATP Finals qualification.

Seeded stars Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton fell earlier than expected in round two, picking up 50 points and €36,900. First-round exits received no ranking points and just €19,680. The numbers show how valuable a deep run can be. Fonseca took full advantage, announcing himself as a serious contender with a week he will never forget.

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