Joao Fonseca draws Carlos Alcaraz comparisons from Novak Djokovic as he claims the Brazilian can become ‘superstar of the game’

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Joao Fonseca are participating in the Indian Wells Open to bid for the 1000 ranking points.

Joao Fonseca draws Carlos Alcaraz comparisons from Novak Djokovic as he claims the Brazilian can become ‘superstar of the game’

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Joao Fonseca (Image via X)

Joao Fonseca is considered by many as a player with lots of potential to become one of the greats of the game. He is just 18 and has already started to amaze the tennis community with his powerful game.

The great Novak Djokovic himself is positive about Fonseca having an illustrious career. Both Djokovic and Fonseca are in Indian Wells but the former is yet to kickstart his campaign. Ahead of his opening-round match, the World No.7 compared Fonseca to World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, who will be entering the tournament as a two-time defending champion.

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I mean, I don’t know him personally so well, but from what I have seen on the court, not only the way he plays but the way he behaves, and people around him, seems like there is a very good level of balance and professionalism and devotion, like what we have seen for the last couple years with Alcaraz. He has the potential to be really a superstar of this game.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals winner, who clinched his first ATP title in Buenos Aires this year, secured a first-round win over Jacob Fearnley on his debut in the California desert. He is set to lock horns with 13th seed Jack Draper next.

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Novak Djokovic to play Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round

Novak Djokovic, the sixth seed, has received a first-round bye and will kick-start his Indian Wells campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp. Zandschulp, who has developed a reputation as a giant killer, having defeated Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz last year, set up the clash with Nole after victory over Nick Kyrgios.

Novak Djokovic, Botic van de Zandschulp
Novak Djokovic, Botic van de Zandschulp (Image via X)

The Indian Wells Open marked Kyrgios’ first tournament since this year’s Australian Open but the Aussie gave a walkover after losing the first set and three games of the second set. Zandschulp, who had to play two qualifying round matches before, has met Djokovic just once on the ATP Tour.

They met in the last 16 in Astana in 2022 which Djokovic had won. Zandschulp has never progressed beyond the third round in Indian Wells and was knocked out in the first round last year.

Djokovic, on the other hand, is a five-time Indian Wells champion. He has also completed a three-peat (2014, 2015, and 2016). The 24-time Grand Slam champion last won the title in 2016 and will be making his second appearance since 2019.