Alexandre Muller convinced Joao Fonseca would become ‘a legend’ after ruining Brazilian’s homecoming at Rio Open

Alexandre Muller secured a comprehensive 6-1, 7-6(4) in the first round win to knock out Brazilian No.1 Joao Fonseca in Rio.

Alexandre Muller convinced Joao Fonseca would become ‘a legend’ after ruining Brazilian’s homecoming at Rio Open

Alexandre Muller, Joao Fonseca (Images via ATP/X)

Alexandre Muller triumphed over Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca in front of the home crowd to progress to the second round of the Rio Open. Fonseca, following his career’s first ATP title he clinched at the Argentina Open, couldn’t emulate the same result in Rio, losing the first-round match with scores of 6-1, 7-6(4).

Following the match, Muller spoke highly of the teenager. The Frenchman, like many in the tennis community, is predicting a bright future for the 18-year-old.

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I am extremely happy. He is undoubtedly going to be a legend in this sport. He is already incredible at such a young age. I’m thrilled with my win. In a few years, I will tell my kids that I beat Fonseca on the central court of Rio de Janeiro.

Alexandre Muller admitted in a press interview after the match

The atmosphere inside Quadra Guga Kuerten was intense, even more than what Muller experienced during Brazil versus France in the Davis Cup. Muller also reflected that the first round rather felt like a final.

As he knocked out “superstar” Fonseca, Muller apologized to the crowd but was convinced that the crowd would have many chances to see him win the event in the future. The 28-year-old is scheduled to square off against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round.

Joao Fonseca is aiming for World No.1 ranking

Joao Fonseca made his ATP debut last year and took home his first title with a straight-set win over local man Francisco Cerundolo at the Argentina Open. The win made the World No.68 the fourth youngest man since 2000 to win an ATP singles title following Kei Nishikori, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca (Image via ATP/X)

The Brazilian also became the first man born in 2006 or later to win a title. After the match, the youngster made it clear that he is not satisfied with just one title; and that he wants to clinch Majors and reach the top of the rankings.

Every Brazilian, everyone from their country wants this support from your own country. For me, this [moment] that I’m living is just unbelievable…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’ve living it.

Joao Fonseca said during his on-court interview after his win over Francisco Cerundolo

Fonseca, who last year won the Next-Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, made his Grand Slam main draw singles debut in this year’s Australian Open. The Argentina Open win also made him the Brazilian No.1 singles player.