Joao Fonseca Announces Expectations to Send Warning Signs to the Rest of the US Open Field

Joao Fonseca has won the first round of each of the Grand Slams this year.

Joao Fonseca Announces Expectations to Send Warning Signs to the Rest of the US Open Field

Joao Fonseca (via US Open)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Joao Fonseca has made a quick rise on the ATP Tour and is already ranked inside the world’s top 50. At only 18, he has shown maturity on the big stage by reaching the second round or better at every Grand Slam this season. His steady progress has made him one of the most talked-about young players on the circuit.

The 2025 US Open marked another milestone for the teenager as he played his first main-draw match in New York. Fonseca showed no signs of nerves as he handled the occasion with confidence. His performance underlined why many see him as a future star of the sport.

In his opening-round contest, he secured a straight-set victory over Miomir Kecmanovic, winning 7-6, 7-6, 6-3. The scoreline reflected his composure in pressure moments, as he edged through two tie-breaks before closing out the match with authority. It was a statement win that set the tone for his campaign.

Speaking afterward, Fonseca credited the strong support he received from the Brazilian fans in attendance. He admitted that their energy helps him push through the difficult spells in matches. With such backing and his growing confidence, the teenager is eager to keep building on his breakthrough season. Fonseca said in his post-match press conference (H/T: Punto de Break):

The humid heat you feel here is very similar to that of Rio de Janeiro. The courts are fast, allowing me to play aggressively. I need to keep improving my net game and be precise in serve+1 and return+1. The three Grand Slams this year have been a great learning experience for me, but now I feel completely ready physically and tennis-wise to play five sets. I believe I can have a great tournament.

Joao Fonseca makes history at the US Open

Goran Ivanisevic holds a special place in tennis history as the youngest man to win a match at all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same season. More than three decades later, Brazil’s Joao Fonseca has joined an elite list by reaching the second round at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in a single year. The teenager achieved the milestone at Flushing Meadows in 2025 after defeating Miomir Kecmanovic just days after celebrating his 19th birthday.

Joao Fonseca (2)
Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Wimbledon)

Several legends of the game have achieved the same feat in their teens. Rafael Nadal did it in 2005 at 19 years and two months, the same year he claimed his first Roland Garros crown. Carlos Alcaraz reached the second round of all four majors in 2021 when he was 18 years and three months old. Bjorn Borg also managed it in 1974 at the age of 18 years and two months, the same year he lifted his maiden French Open title.

Other notable names include Andrei Medvedev, who reached the milestone at 18 years and 11 months after already collecting multiple ATP trophies, and Stefan Edberg, who was just 18 years and 10 months old in 1984 when he completed the set.

Boris Becker did it even earlier, at 18, famously winning Wimbledon that year to become the youngest champion at the event. Each of these players combined raw talent with early success, proving their ability to handle the sport’s biggest stages.

At the very top of the list sits Ivanisevic, who reached the second round of all four majors in 1989 before turning 18. His career later brought both heartbreak and triumph, including three runner-up finishes at Wimbledon before finally winning the title as a wildcard in 2001. Fonseca’s breakthrough puts him in elite company, and with his early success on the ATP Tour, he could be on course to follow the path of these legends.

Joao Fonseca has physical setback during US Open first round

Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca gave fans a scare during his US Open first-round match against Miomir Kecmanovic on the Grandstand court. The teenager, who was leading by two sets, suddenly called for the physio at 3-3 even though it was not a changeover. After a short discussion, he resumed play but quickly felt unwell. Just a few points later, he rushed to the side of the court saying he needed to vomit, before leaning over a bin while cameras cut away.

Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca (Image via X/TNT Sports)

The 19-year-old was later seen taking some treatment between games in the third set. The umpire announced a medical timeout, but Fonseca chose to continue after only a brief pause. He seemed determined to play through the discomfort, even though his body was clearly struggling. At one point, while ahead in Kecmanovic’s service game, he had to run off again as the illness struck.

Fonseca first doubled over near the drinks station before making his way back toward the baseline. But within seconds, he turned back and vomited again into a courtside bin. Kecmanovic waited while the incident unfolded, and trainers stood ready to assist if needed. Despite the disruption, the Brazilian star refused to give in and carried on with the match.

Remarkably, Fonseca seemed revitalized after the episode. He returned to the court and played with renewed energy, not dropping another game. His resilience drew applause from the crowd, who had been concerned moments earlier. What looked like a potential retirement turned into a display of grit, as the young player finished the contest strongly despite the illness scare.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz is ‘Laughing’ About People’s Reactions to His Shaved Head: “Super White, So Weird”