Grigor Dimitrov feels expectations on 18-year-old Joao Fonseca could “damage” him

Joao Fonseca has been praised by current and former players since defeating Andrey Rublev in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Grigor Dimitrov feels expectations on 18-year-old Joao Fonseca could “damage” him

Joao Fonseca and Grigor Dimitrov (via X/ATP)

Joao Fonseca has experienced a surging fame in the sport this season. The Brazilian teenager first made his mark by defeating Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open. Grigor Dimitrov, who knows all about the pressures of coming up onto the ATP Tour from a very teenage age, has expressed his fears that pressure might catch up to Fonseca.

Fonseca became the major discussion on the Tour after the Australian Open. Despite not getting past the second round, he went on to win his first ATP title in Argentina defeating Francisco Cerundolo in the final. The 18-year-old recently recorded his first win in Indian Wells but failed to get past champion Jack Draper.

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After that, he took the opportunity of his exit to compete at the Phoenix Challenger. He polished his game at the tournament, defeating Alexander Bublik in the final to win the title. It was his third title of the season. With these impressive results, the Brazilian teenager has been predicted to achieve big things in 2025 and beyond.

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Ahead of the Miami Open, Lacoste hosted a dinner featuring some of their players including, Juan Martin del Potro, Daniil Medvedev, Dimitrov, and Gustavo Kuerten. While engaging in a discussion, the conversation about pressure on young players, especially Fonseca.

That’s the thing, at 17 they were comparing me to Roger. The Baby Fed thing! To nowadays. But this is one of the worst things you can do to a kid. Luckily I have a thick skin and everything. Of course, it helped me but it also can damage you.

Grigor Dimitrov said

Fonseca has been touted to take up the place of his countryman Kuerten, who was World No.1 and won three Grand Slam titles. He has also been linked to Del Potro, with some claiming he plays like the Argentine.

Grigor Dimitrov was once nicknamed “Baby Fed” after Roger Federer

Grigor Dimitrov made huge waves as a teenager on the ATP Tour, and due to his style of play, especially his one-handed backhand, he was nicknamed “Baby Fed”. He was also predicted to take the place of Roger Federer later in the future. The prediction was amplified further in the 2014 Wimbledon Championship when he defeated Andy Murray to reach the semifinals.

Grigor Dimitrov and Roger Federer (via X/Yahoo Sport)

However, Dimitrov struggled to live up to the hype, and despite his commitment to fulfilling, he was often hindered by injury. Nonetheless, for a while, Dimitrov enjoyed the euphoria of the wave which brought both fame and criticism. He has now settled for Top 20 status player in recent months with not much attraction.

Joao Fonseca adds Juan Martin Del Potro’s ex-coach to his team

Joao Fonseca has made a new addition to his team. Although the Brazilian is currently coached by Guilherme Teixeira, he has added legendary coach Franco Davin to his team at the Miami Open. Davin worked with Juan Martin Del Potro during the 2009 season and helped him win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open later that year.

Joao Fonseca (via X)
Joao Fonseca (via X/ATP)

However, Davin has been hired as a consultant, which means he’s not officially a member of Fonseca’s coaching team. Nevertheless, he will be present to analyze and help improve Fonseca’s game during the ATP 1000 tournament in Miami.

Fonseca arrived in Miami after a good run at the Phoenix Challenger. The World No.60 will face fellow youngster Learner Tien in the first round, which is a rematch of the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals.