Novak Djokovic sees ‘this similarly’ in Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian’s heroic debut at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic states Joao Fonseca is a courageous player following the teenager's victory over Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.
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Joao Fonseca and Novak Djokovic (via X)
Joao Fonseca has long been admired for his aggressive and mentally strong display on the court since turning pro last year. But on Tuesday (January 15), the Brazilian teenager stunned the tennis world by knocking out No.9 seed Andrey Rublev from the Australian Open. Novak Djokovic shared his views about the 18-year-old in a press conference.
The tennis legend, who has been an admirer of the teenager, revealed that he congratulated him after his straight set win over Rublev. The Serbian acknowledged his all-around courageous ability even against top players like Rublev.
I congratulated him not only on the win last night that I’ve seen, the last set l’ve seen, but also everything he has been doing the last six to 12 months. I’ve been following his rise, and I just love how he plays the big points. Courageous, very clean hitter, all-around player. I’ve been a fan of his game. I’ve been watching him also last year.
Novak Djokovic said via the Australian Open press
Fonseca’s 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 7-6 win over Rublev makes him the second teenager to beat a Top 10 player in their first-ever Grand Slam match since the ATP rankings was reintroduced in 1973. The first was Mario Ancic, who achieved the feat at the 2002 Wimbledon Championship after defeating Roger Federer.
Meanwhile, Djokovic, who has made history and broken records also revealed that he sees similarities in the 18-year-old star’s tennis. Fonseca made history at the Next Gen ATP Finals by becoming the first Brazilian to win the title.
Novak Djokovic says he’s a fan of João Fonseca’s game and he sees some of his own game in João’s:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2025
“I just met him first time, like, literally five minutes before I came into the room. I congratulated him not only on the win last night that I've seen, the last set l've seen, but… pic.twitter.com/8rP5fmncVw
I think in one of my interviews for ATP I was saying I see some of my game there in his game, particularly when I was his age when you’re kind of carelessly going for the shots, just showing what you’re capable of. I mean, he’s got the goods definitely. He showed that last night on a big stage to go very far. Future is bright for him, no doubt, if he keeps going this way.
Novak Djokovic added
Novak Djokovic declares his love for tennis after getting past Jaime Faria in the second round of the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic battled hard to earn his second consecutive victory at the 2025 Australian Open after beating Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday (January 15). It was the second qualifier that the Serbian legend has defeated in Melbourne after beating Nishesh Basavareddy in the opening round.
Djokovic now seeks his 25th career Grand Slam and 100th tour-level title at the Australian Open. After the victory, Djokovic passionately said he loved the sport and didn’t care whether he won the title or not, as he aims to give his best every day on the court.
I love this sport. I love competition. I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level. Whether I win or lose one thing is for sure: I’ll always leave my heart out on the court.
Novak Djokovic said via ATP
Djokovic will face Tomas Machac in the third round of the Australian Open. The 37-year-old has met the 26th seed twice on the court, winning one and losing the other. However, their most recent meeting came at the Geneva Open, which Machac won in three sets.
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Victor Okechukwu
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