Joao Fonseca Explains the Unique Difference Between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Joao Fonseca has lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in less than three weeks.

Joao Fonseca Explains the Unique Difference Between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Jannik Sinner HQ, Ivan Aguilar)

In Short
  • Joao Fonseca lost to both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets during recent ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.
  • Fonseca noted that Alcaraz has a wider range of shots compared to Sinner's more robotic style of play.
  • Carlos Alcaraz improved his record against younger opponents to 13-0 and holds a 17-1 record this season.

Tennis sensation Joao Fonseca faced the two best players in the men’s circuit in less than three weeks. Having relished meeting Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on tour, he lost to the pair in straight sets. The Brazilian teenager has explained the difference between facing Sinner and Alcaraz on the court.

Fonseca, who began the season with just one win in three months, found his game rhythm at the Indian Wells Open. He won three matches at the California desert, including a straight-sets victory against top-20 star Tommy Paul. Despite the form, he was no match against Sinner in the fourth round.

Sinner defeated the Basel Indoor champion 7-6(6), 7-6(4). Fonseca returned to the court at the Miami Open in Florida. He won his opening match before taking on World No.1 Alcaraz at the Hard Rock Stadium. Both players’ fans kept making noise during the lively, entertaining match on Friday (March 20).

Alcaraz held his serve in the first set after breaking the teenager just once. The Brazilian support roared for Fonseca in the second set, going toe to toe against Alcaraz, who did everything not to be broken. In the crucial tenth game, Alcaraz broke the 19-year-old’s challenge, winning 6-4, 6-4 to earn his place in the third round.

The meeting was their first tour-level clash in their careers. This means Fonseca has now fallen to Sinner and Alcaraz in consecutive ATP Masters 1000’s. On both occasions, the Brazilian showed grit, but it wasn’t enough in the end. During his post-match press conference, he broke down the difference between the two top players:

Facing both of them has helped me understand the different playing styles they have. I think Alcaraz has a wider range of shots. Jannik is like a robot, simply hitting the ball hard and doing everything perfectly. On the other hand, Carlos can do absolutely everything on the court. Lifting the ball, hitting it very hard, coming to the net, changing the pace… His mobility is spectacular, and understanding his tennis is difficult.

Alcaraz entered the Miami Open after a disappointing loss against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Open. The Spaniard has already gone past the second-round exit he suffered at the tournament last year. He’s now focused on winning his third title of the season in Miami.

Joao Fonseca admits he felt pressured while playing against Carlos Alcaraz

One thing that was noticeable in the match between Joao Fonseca and Carlos Alcaraz was that as the tie progressed, Fonseca got better. He tried to be aggressive, forcing Alcaraz deep into his baseline, but any time the Brazilian had an opportunity to attack, Alcaraz was there to shrink the court with his speed and defense.

Carlos Alcaraz, Joao Fonseca
Carlos Alcaraz, Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Everything Joao Fonseca)

In the first set, Fonseca did not record a single forehand winner, but in the second set won two because Alcaraz controlled the game, blunting Fonseca’s aggressive style of play. During the aforementioned press conference, Fonseca noted that at the beginning of the match, he felt pressure on his shoulders:

As the match progressed, I felt he was getting more comfortable and finding his rhythm on the court. At the beginning, he played with some pressure on his shoulders, but getting an early break in each set made him raise his level. I came out onto the court convinced that I could win after what happened with Sinner in Indian Wells, but I didn’t capitalize on the opportunities, and he played a great match. He is the number 1. I need to reflect on my mistakes and learn from them.

However, Alcaraz has increased his record against younger opponents to 13-0 and currently holds a 17-1 record on tour this season. Since losing in the opening round of the Miami Open, he has won 73 of his 79 matches on tour. He will face Sebastian Korda in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

Also Read: Kim Clijsters Comments on the Urthodox Forehand Technique of Daniil Medvedev