Joao Fonseca says he doesn’t like comparison with Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten as he aims to “create his own story”
Joao Fonseca has been hailed as one of the best players of his generation after winning his first ATP title in Argentina.
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Gustavo Kuerten, Joao Fonseca (Image via Gustavo Kuerten's Facebook, X/ATP Tour)
Joao Fonseca has been one of the brightest teenagers on the court this season. The World No.72 has gotten much attention from the media since making his mark at the Australian Open. In fact, in recent weeks they have compared him to Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten because of his playing style.
Also, he has been hailed to possess the same qualities that Roger Federer had while at his age. The Brazilian teenager is just in his full second season in the ATP Tour but he’s already ranked in the Top 100. He has been one of the standout youngsters this season and has gotten much praise from current and former players.
He won his maiden ATP title at the Argentina Open, where he defeated Francisco Cerundolo in the final. At Miami, he showed his qualities against fellow teenage star Learner Tien in the first round, defeating the American in straight sets. He reached the third round of the tournament before losing to Alex de Minaur.
During an interview, he was asked if he liked the comparison between him and former World No.1 Gustavo Kuerten. The 18-year-old star revealed that he doesn’t like it and he’s focused on creating his own story on the court.
Sometimes when people say I’m going to be the next Guga, I don’t really like comparisons. Everyone has their own story and can win different things. I don’t want to be the next Guga; I want to be Joao Fonseca. I hope I can do something like what he did, but I’m working to create my own story.
Joao Fonseca said via AS Darios
Fonseca claimed his first Top 10 win at the Australian Open, where he defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets. He went to crash out of the tournament in the second round, losing to Italian star Lorenzo Sonego.
Joao Fonseca says he remains humble despite his growing fame in the sport
Joao Fonseca’s victory against Andrey Rublev was what catapulted him to the mountaintop of fame in the sport. The 18-year-old was hailed by several legends, including Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe, after his performance. He revealed during the aforementioned interview that his parents were conscious of it and had to tell him to stay humble and be focused on his growth.
That’s it, on the ground. You have to stay humble. My parents have always told me that. Thank God they’ve helped me a lot with all these changes. I have to keep improving to be a good player, and I’m happy with how I’m handling everything. But I always say it’s just the beginning and you have to stay humble and work hard.
Joao Fonseca said
Fonseca will hope to bring his best as the clay court season continues. The Brazilian didn’t feature at the Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, or Munich Open. He is set to open his campaign in Madrid.
Joao Fonseca handed a tough draw at the Madrid Open
Joao Fonseca will open his Madrid campaign against Dane qualifier Elmer Moller in the first round. The World No.72 will seek to beat the Danish star to earn a place in the second round where he will face American Tommy Paul. Paul enjoyed his best clay run at the Italian Open last season, where he reached the semi-finals.
If Fonseca scales through the tough test, he could face the in-form Karen Khachanov in the third round. Khachanov reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open last week before losing to eventual champion Holger Rune. A win over the Russian star will earn him a potential clash against Jack Draper or Matteo Berrettini in the fourth round.
It will be very difficult for Fonseca to scale through the aforementioned stages, but if he does, he might face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
Also Read: Juan Martin Del Potro gives a case scenario of potentially coaching Novak Djokovic in the future
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