I8-year-old Joao Fonseca sees Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz “as motivation to keep working harder”
18-year-old Joao Fonseca has admitted that he aims to follow in the footsteps of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
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Joao Fonseca, (inset) Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (via Clay Magazine/Tennis Gazette)
Joao Fonseca is aiming high and wants to follow in the footsteps of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The 18-year-old sensation has made a name for himself on the ATP Tour this year with great performances that have left fans and pundits assured of his talent.
Fonseca’s name began to resonate loudly during the ATP 500 event in Rio in February. He won his first ATP match on the clay court and went on to reach the quarterfinals, where he eventually lost 6-2, 3-6, 3-6 to Argentine Mariano Navone. Shortly after the event, the Brazilian turned down offers from US universities as he aimed to grow in the sport.
On the other hand, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated men’s tennis this year. The duo shared the four Grand Slams and have won more titles than any other player, with Sinner winning six and Alcaraz three.
During a recent interview, Fonseca revealed his intentions to be like Alcaraz and Sinner, adding that the duo serve as inspiration and motivation for him to keep working hard.
I want to be like Alcaraz and Sinner. I look at their rivalry and that’s where I want to go. I want to win Grand Slams and other big tournaments. Alcaraz and Sinner serve as inspiration and motivation to keep working harder and harder.Joao Fonseca said (via Clay Magazine)
Fonseca failed to gain entry into the US Open main draw after losing to American Eliot Spizzirr in the final round of the qualifiers. The 18-year-old had defeated Serbian Lukáš Klein and Frenchman Calvin Hemery in the opening rounds.
Joao Fonseca eyes Grand Slam participation in 2025
Joao Fonseca has revealed that one of his goals for the 2025 season is to play at the Grand Slams. He failed to gain entry into the Wimbledon and US Open draws this year after exiting in the qualifying rounds. The World No. 157 now hopes to use this year’s experience to earn a place in the four Major draws next season.
I see myself playing major tournaments, playing in the Grand Slams. It’s not a goal or even less an obligation in my head, no. It’s just what I want. Everything has its time, but it’s where I want to get to and where I think I have the potential to get to.Joao Fonseca said (via Clay Magazine)
Fonseca has primarily focused on playing in the ATP Challenger Tour this year. He believes it is the ideal step and will help him climb the rankings while also learning the toughness and sacrifice tennis professionals make. The Brazilian rejected enticing offers from tennis agencies such as IMG and has opted for his parents to manage his career for now.
The teenager was with the Brazil Davis Cup team last week, helping them shock Belgium in the first Group stage match. However, a loss to the Netherlands and Italy saw Brazil’s dreams of a quarterfinal place hang in a thread.
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Victor Okechukwu
(688 Articles Published)