Joao Fonseca wins eye-watering prize money after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals

Joao Fonseca is going to be under a lot of spotlight after his heroic Next Gen ATP Finals championships win.

Joao Fonseca wins eye-watering prize money after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals

Joao Fonseca (via X)

The Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF crowned a new champion as Joao Fonseca delivered an incredible performance to win the 20-and-under event in Jeddah. The 18-year-old Brazilian had a flawless week, finishing with a victory over Learner Tien in the final.

Fonseca defeated Tien 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 at King Abdullah Sports City. He became the second-youngest champion in the tournament’s history. By winning all five of his matches, he also earned a record-breaking $526,480 in prize money.

YouTube video

Earlier in 2024, Fonseca gave glimpses of his talent with a strong showing at the Rio de Janeiro tournament, where he reached the quarter-finals and claimed his first tour-level win against Arthur Fils. Despite being the lowest seed at the Next Gen ATP Finals, he proved unstoppable.

Fonseca’s journey in Jeddah included impressive wins, including tough five-set matches against top seed Fils and third seed Jakub Mensik. His determination and skill throughout the tournament highlighted his bright future in tennis.

Joao Fonseca tactically outsmarts Learner Tien in the Next Gen ATP Finals

Joao Fonseca had to work hard to defeat Learner Tien in the final on Sunday (December 22). The American started strong and even held a set point to take a two-sets-to-love lead at 7/8 in the second-set tiebreak. Fonseca stayed calm, leveled the match, and then took control with powerful forehand shots. He dominated the third set and broke Tien’s serve in the fifth game of the fourth set to seal the win.

Joao Fonseca
Joao Fonseca (via X)

Fonseca’s solid serving was key to his victory. He won 83% of points on his first serve and 68% on his second serve, according to Infosys ATP Stats. This strong performance helped him mount his comeback and take the title.

At 18, Fonseca is the third player of his age to win the Next Gen ATP Finals, joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Both players are now among the top-ranked stars in the ATP. Now, Fonseca’s win adds him to this elite group of young champions.

The final was the second meeting between Fonseca and Tien during the tournament. Fonseca also beat Tien in the group stage in four sets. Their rivalry dates back to the 2023 US Open boys’ final, where Fonseca claimed victory and lifted the trophy.