Alexander Zverev shares candid prediction about Joao Fonseca’s career after the Brazilian teenager wins first ATP title
Joao Fonseca defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-6(1) to win the Argentina Open, his first ATP career title.
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Joao Fonseca and Alexander Zverev (via ATP/X)
Joao Fonseca made an eye-catching ascent to new heights on Sunday (February 16) after claiming the Argentina Open title in Buenos Aires. The ATP title was the sensational 18-year-old star’s first in his dazzling young career. However, World No. 2 Alexander Zverev claims the Brazilian teenager still has a “long process” to go to reach the Top 20 in the men’s circuit.
Fonseca first caught the attention of the world at the Australian Open in January, when he defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the first round. Despite exiting the tournament in the second round, his first Top 10 win against Rublev was enough to lay his mark on the court. He continued with his form at the Argentina Open, producing excellent displays against higher-ranked opponents.
In fact, in the quarter-finals, he stunned Mariano Navone by showing his fighting spirit to save two match points and complete an epic comeback victory. In the final against Francisco Cerundolo, he was in complete control of the match, defeating the fifth seed 6-4, 7-6(1) in an hour and forty-five minutes to win the title.
Nonetheless, Zverev, who is already in Brazil for the Rio Open was asked about the future of Fonseca. The German star felt that he’s doing the right things but has a long process to make it into the Top 20 of the ATP rankings.
I talk to him quite a bit. There’s still a long process in becoming top 20, competing for Masters, for Grand Slams. He’s doing all the right things, playing tennis the right way. Time will tell but he has everything to be a very good player.
Alexander Zverev said via Rio Open press
Zverev on Fonseca: "I talk to him quite a bit. There's still a long process in becoming top 20, competing for Masters, for Grand Slams. He's doing all the right things, playing tennis the right way. Time will tell but he has everything to be a very good player."#RioOpen pic.twitter.com/Hra2ZDhDCO
— Rio Open (@RioOpenOficial) February 16, 2025
Zverev featured in the Argentina Open but exited in the quarter-finals after losing to Cerundolo in three sets. The World No.2 will face Chinese Yunchaokete Bu in the first round at the Rio Open, as he attempts to go far in the second South American tournament.
Joao Fonseca reveals his dream goal after winning the Argentina Open title
Joao Fonseca winning the Argentina Open is proof that men’s tennis already has a future star. The 18-year-old has also enjoyed a meteoric rise in the ATP rankings. One year ago, he was No.648 but currently sits at No.68, a career-high ranking, after an excellent start to the 2025 season.
However, Fonseca isn’t just stopping there. The Brazillian youngster has already revealed his dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport following his triumph at Buenos Aires.
I want to thank my family, my friends and my sponsors for just helping me achieve my dream, which is to play tennis. Of course I want to be No. 1, of course I want to win Slams, titles, but my dream is just to play tennis, and I’m living it.
Joao Fonseca said via ATP
Fonseca will feature at the Rio Open, his home country tournament. He will face Alexandre Muller in the first round on Tuesday (February 18).
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Victor Okechukwu
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