Carlos Alcaraz tips Joao Fonseca to become ‘one of the best players in the world’ after his thrilling opening round win at the Australian Open
Joao Fonseca became the first teenager since Mario Ancic in 2022 to beat a Top 10 player in their first-ever Grand Slam main draw match.
Follow Us
Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca (via X)
Joao Fonseca stunned the tennis world by defeating World No.9 Andrey Rublev in straight sets. The teenage sensation has been a player above his generation since his triumph at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz was asked for his views on him.
Fonseca made his first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw at the Australian Open on Tuesday (January 14). Despite facing Rublev, a top 10 player, the 18-year-old Brazilian stayed mentally strong and calm throughout the match. He went on to defeat the Russian star 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
The victory made him become the only second teenager to beat a Top-10 player in their first-ever Grand Slam match since Mario Ancic in 2002. Ancic achieved the feat against Roger Federer at the Wimbledon Championship. Fonseca has now been tipped to become one of the biggest stars in the men’s circuit.
Alcaraz, who achieved success as a teenager and understands what it means, was asked about it during his press conference. The Spaniard praised Fonseca, admitting it was unbelievable from the teenager.
What can I say about it? Just incredible. I mean, the way he played his first Grand Slam match against his first top 10, it’s unbelievable. The way he approached the match, the way he handled everything, the nerves, the match in general, it’s been fantastic. It’s someone that I have to be careful of, let’s say… He’s going to be there. It is just the beginning of the year, just one win in Grand Slam, but he’s going to be there. We’re going to put the João Fonseca’s name on the list of the best players in the world really soon.
Carlos Alcaraz said via Australian Open press
Fonseca ended the 2024 season on a high after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. He finished the season as World No.145 but has risen to No.112. With a good run at the Australian Open, he is set to surge into the Top 100.
Carlos Alcaraz ‘proud’ of his improvements in serve after cruising past Yoshihito Nishioka
Carlos Alcaraz surged closer to achieving a Career Slam after defeating Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round of the Australian Open. The 21-year-old delivered a very much improved serve in the match, proof of the hard work he and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, have done during the off-season.
The Spaniard wasted no time against his Japanese opponent, hitting 20 aces and winning 89% of first-serve points to come out on top with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory. After the victory, he revealed that he was impressed with his serve and felt confident in the match.
I felt really good today with the serve. I talked with Juan Carlos about what I have to do today with the serve, what I did wrong and what I did great from the first match. I felt more comfortable on it. I think the serve is about confidence and feelings.
Carlos Alcaraz said via BBC
Alcaraz will face Nuno Borges in the third round of the Australian Open. The latter defeated Australian star Jordan Thompson in straight sets and has been at his best so far this season, including reaching the semifinals of the Auckland Classics.
Stay Updated!
Victor Okechukwu
(690 Articles Published)