By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty
The “Q” next to his name beckoned João Fonseca qualifying status at this Australian Open.
At the moment when the 18-year-old Brazilian moved to ninth place Andrey Rublev 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) in his big main draw debut, a flame emoji seemed the best.
Hitting from all areas of the court, Fonseca was pure fire.
In a clash of former junior world No.1s, Fonseca was not fazed by Rublev’s power or his Margaret Court Arena debut.
“I knew the pressure was coming. Like I said, everything was new for me, but for me, I wasn’t the favorite,” Fonseca told the media in Melbourne. “I was trying to get on the court with just, well, I’m an 18-year-old guy, he’s a top-10 guy. I’m going to do my best here. Of course, I’m confident.
“I know I can win, but no pressure on myself. That’s what I was trying to do. But, of course, when I was two sets to love, I was thinking a little bit more, OK, maybe I’ll win this match, and I have to focus, I have to keep pushing Yes, the nerves, of course, came, but I stayed mentally.
The hotshot from Rio de Janeiro recorded his 14th straight win at all levels and his eighth straight win at the tournament level.
The teenager, who was preparing to win the Canberra title at the AO, has won all 19 sets he has played in 2025, including three straight victories in Australian Open qualifying.
This sustained success is forcing Fonseka to recalibrate his mission in Melbourne as he realizes what might be possible. Fonseca will face the 29-year-old Italian Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the third round of the AO.
“I think when I got here, my first goal was to qualify for the main draw,” Fonseca said. “Of course, my expectations are now higher. I want more and more. Of course I’m very happy with the way I played today with the win, but I’m already thinking about the next game.
“It will be a good match against a very big player. Yes, I want more and more. I think that’s the mentality of the champion. So I’m just trying to think about the next game.”
Although he’s listed at 6’1”, 162 pounds, Fonseca possesses elastic explosiveness from both wings and creates pace effectively. Facing one of the game’s greatest forehands in Rublev, Fonseca rattled off 51 winners in three sets—18 more than the mighty Russian.
Fonseca has a knack for the big shot, as he showed by smoking an ace on the tee to serve out the second set at love. Because he is a shooter willing to change the direction of rallies by playing down the line on both wings, Fonseca is already gaining a following as a crowd pleaser.
Like young people Carlos Alcarazthe teenager naturally engages fans. Several times, Fonseca waved his arms as the winners prompted the Melbourne fans to make more noise.
“A third of the crowd was Brazilian, so it really felt like I was at home, people were cheering for me, calling my name,” Fonseca said. “It was just amazing. I love playing to the crowd, so for me it was super, super cool.”
Fonseca reversed the standard attack scenario on Rublev’s backhand in favor of boldly hitting the Russian’s explosive wing, forcing him to defend the back on the run. Time and time again, Fonseca returned repeated down-the-line backhands to the Russian’s forehand, sometimes catching Rublev flat-footed.
It was a shrewd tactical plan, as Rublev prefers to hit his hard forehand from his back corner. Knowing this, Fonseca hit his backhand down the line to get Rublev to move.
Versatility is a strength of Fonseca. Not only did he explode tonight, he hit some sharp corners and confused Rublev time and time again with backhand winners.
Although his two-handed hand is a formidable weapon, Fonseca grew up watching a pair of iconic one-handed wizards—Roger Federer and the Brazilian legend Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten.
“I mean, my idol has always been Roger. I grew up watching Roger,” said Fonseca. “Of course, I think everyone wanted to play like him. But when I was younger, I also tried one-handed.
“I tried, for example, a week, and then I have something in my elbow, and then I forgot, I will go again with two hands. But, yes, (Roger) is an idol for me. He inspires me. Guga, of course, the Brazilian, he is not only an idol as a player, but as a person. He is such a nice person. I could meet him, and yes, I think they are both my idols.”
