Joao Fonseca is excited about taking on “challenging” Tommy Paul in the second round of the Madrid Open

Joao Fonseca is set to face Tommy Paul for the first time in his career in the second round of the Madrid Open.

Joao Fonseca is excited about taking on “challenging” Tommy Paul in the second round of the Madrid Open

Tommy Paul and Joao Fonseca (via X/The Tennis Letter/Miami Open)

Joao Fonseca made an excellent return to the Madrid Open when he overcame Danish star Elmer Møller in the first round. The Brazilian teenager made history last year when he became the youngest player to win a main draw match at the tournament. He will face Tommy Paul in the second round on Saturday (April 26).

Fonseca has been one of the standout teenagers this season. He has made a name for himself in the ATP despite just being in his second season at the top level. The Brazilian earned his first top-10 win in Melbourne after beating Andrey Rublev in straight sets. He reached the third round of the Miami Open last month before losing to Alex de Minaur.

Fonseca opened his European clay swing campaign at the Madrid Open and produced an exceptional performance. He looked comfortable throughout the match as Møller gave him no issues in the match. He claimed a 6-2, 6-3 victory to capture his 10th tour-level win of the season.

He will now face Tommy Paul, who has never played against on tour. However, the World No.65 is excited about facing the top 20 stars in the second round in Madrid.

I know he likes to play on clay. I know it’s going to be a tough match. I practiced with him once, it was here in Madrid last year. Yes, I’m excited for the match, I know it will be challenging. Tomorrow I’ll prepare, think about the match, focus on training, discuss the strategy with my team, and go all out on Saturday.

Joao Fonseca said via Madrid Open Press

Fonseca will aim to earn his third top 20 win of the season in Madrid. He has already beaten World No.9 Rublev at the Australian Open and No.20 Ugo Humbert in Miami.

Joao Fonseca vs. Tommy Paul – Contrasting their recent form

Joao Fonseca will face a tough test against Tommy Paul. Paul, the eleventh seed in Madrid, has enjoyed a good run this season. In fact, he just lost only six of his 21 matches this year and has been to three semi-finals. His first came at the Adelaide International and then he reached the semi-finals of the Dallas Open before losing to Denis Shapovalov.

Joao Fonseca and Tommy Paul
Joao Fonseca and Tommy Paul (via X/ATP/Miami Open)

His third was at the clay court tournament in Houston, where he lost to Jenson Brooksby in three sets. Fonseca must be at his best to take out that American No.2 as he also has a good form on clay. In fact, he reached the semi-finals of the Italian Open last year and was impressive throughout the tournament.

Fonseca’s only good ground ahead of Paul is that he began his tennis career on clay. The Brazilian teenager played much of his ATP Challenger tournament on the surface and excelled. He also won his maiden ATP title on clay in Buenos Aires. However, Paul will be counting on his experience to defeat the 18-year-old star.

Joao Fonseca says he getting used to playing in big tournaments like the Madrid Open

Joao Fonseca has been the most treasured teenage star this season. He has been compared to Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten recently and has also been linked to Roger Federer. The World No.65 revealed that he has had to get used to the fame in such a short time in his career, especially when playing at big tournaments on tour.

Joao Fonseca (3)
Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Joao Fonseca Updates)

I’m getting more accustomed to these types of tournaments and stadiums. I mentioned in the previous interview that today I had a bit more experience than the other guy. It’s hard to say because I was younger than him, but I already knew what it was like to play in large stadiums, and I think it was his first time and he was a bit more nervous. But, yes, I feel a bit more like, more of a routine, feeling more adjusted on these courts, so, yes, I think that’s it.

Joao Fonseca said

Fonseca will hope that he continues his impressive form this season. He has a chance of breaking into the Top 50 of the ATP rankings before the French Open.

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