(Video) Carlos Alcaraz Escapes Injury Scare After Joao Fonseca Hits Fierce Shot at Him in Miami

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and World No.24 Joao Fonseca took home eight and two titles this year, respectively.

(Video) Carlos Alcaraz Escapes Injury Scare After Joao Fonseca Hits Fierce Shot at Him in Miami

Joao Fonseca and Carlos Alcaraz met in an exhibition event in Miami (Image via X/Joao Fonseca Brazil, Tennis Channel)

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Carlos Alcaraz finally locked horns with Joao Fonseca! The tennis world was eagerly waiting for an Alcaraz versus Fonseca clash, and they met, not in an official tournament yet.

On December 8, Alcaraz and Fonseca faced each other in an exhibition match in Miami. Alcaraz clinched the first set but failed to capitalize on it. But he eventually won it with a 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 scoreline.

Alcaraz and Fonseca also played mixed doubles. The former player paired up with Jessica Pegula, while the latter played alongside Amanda Anisimova. Alcaraz and Pegula won the mixed doubles match 10-8. During this match, when the score was locked at 1-1, Fonseca’s fierce shot almost hit Alcaraz on the face. The Brazilian ace apologized, but both players were all smiles.

Watch the video here:

Fonseca could have gotten the chance to lock horns with Alcaraz had Team World played him against the Spaniard in the Laver Cup, which Team Europe failed to defend. Following their exhibition match, Alcaraz made his feelings known on clashing with the 19-year-old.

It was really, really special, playing with Joao. I haven’t never played against him. So this was the first time in this beautiful scenario. You know, I never played in a baseball stadium before, so it was really, really special. Coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people… they bring out great energy, it’s always a great opportunity and a special moment.

Carlos Alcaraz said during the on-court interview

Fonseca burst onto the scene after winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals by defeating America’s Learner Tien. This year, the teen sensation took him two tour-level titles. He clinched his first ATP trophy at the Argentina Open by defeating home favorite Francisco Cerundolo. Later at the Swiss Indoors, the home tournament of his idol, Roger Federer, Fonseca defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to win his career’s first ATP 500 title.

It was tough; he has a little bit of skill on the court. The guy is really good. No, really, it was a pleasure for me to play this match; it was a pleasure playing against Alcaraz, the mixed doubles as well.

Joao Fonseca said during the on-court interview

Fonseca finished his season at the Paris Masters, where his run was ended by Karen Khachanov in the third round. With a 26-16 win-loss record, which also included matches in the Grand Slam events, Fonseca reached a career-best No.24 on the rankings table.

Patrick Mouratoglou thinks Jack Draper can challenge the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Jack Draper wanted to play in the UTS Tour, founded by Serena Williams‘ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. But the Brit ended up withdrawing from the event because he had yet to gain his complete fitness. Mouratoglou thinks Draper has the ability to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but has to keep injuries at bay.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

I’ve said it several years ago, I think if Jack is able to stay injury-free, he’s a top five [player] for sure. His potential is someone who can compete with Alcaraz and Sinner. He definitely has everything. I think he has the mind, which is the most important. He’s an incredible competitor. I think he’s very ambitious, he’s smart.

Patrick Mouratoglou told ITV

Draper holds a 1-1 head-to-head tie over Sinner, while against the six-time Grand Slam champion, the 23-year-old trails 2-4. Alcaraz met Draper thrice this year, winning their encounter at the Australian Open and the Italian Open, losing their match at the Miami Open.

Draper finished the season after his first-round match at the US Open due to an arm injury. He took home the Indian Wells Masters and lost in the finals of the Qatar Open and the Madrid Open.

Also read: Stefanos Tsitsipas Handed Brutal Advice to Rejuvenate his Tennis Career by Former Grand Slam Finalist