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Who is Joao Fonseca? Brazil's rising tennis star drawing parallels with Carlos Alcaraz

A nation renowned for producing world-class sportspeople, Brazil may have unearthed one of the next big things in tennis in the form of Joao Fonseca.

First appearing on the ATP Tour as a 16-year-old at his home Rio Open, Fonseca is progressing at frightening speed in the professional ranks.

The former US Open boys' champion reached the quarter-finals of an ATP 500 event in Rio in February 2024, with his reputation as one of the best young players of the world crystallised following his victory in the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia in December.

Fonseca's triumph at the Next Gen finals made him only the third player ever to win the competition aged 18 and under, joining an exclusive club with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

If the Brazilian continues to develop at his current rate, it might not be long until he is rubbing shoulders with the Italian and Spaniard as one of tennis' biggest stars.

Who is Joao Fonseca?

Birthplace and nationality

Joao Fonseca was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Age

Born on 21st August 2006, Joao Fonseca is 18 years old.

Joao Fonseca tennis attributes

Height and weight

Joao Fonseca is 6ft 1ins and his weight is 162lbs (73kg).

Style of play

A right-handed player, Fonseca possesses an all-court game and boasts impressive athleticism.

A naturally gifted talent, Fonseca is equipped with an explosive forehand which allows him to dictate rallies from the baseline.

The Brazilian is an intense operator on court who has shown admirable composure in important points for a player of his young age.

Joao Fonseca ATP record and achievements

Notable tennis achievements

  • Fonseca became only the second teenager since 1973 to defeat a top 10 ranked opponent in his first Grand Slam match after beating Andrey Rublev at the 2025 Australian Open, with Mario Ancic previously achieving this feat against Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2002.
  • Fonseca was crowned champion at the ATP Next Generation finals in Saudi Arabia in December 2024 after beating American Learner Tien in the final.
  • The youngster won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Lexington, United States in July 2024.
  • The Brazilian made his ATP Tour debut aged just 16 as a wildcard at the 2023 Rio Open.
  • After reaching the quarter-finals in the boys' singles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, Fonseca became the world number one in the junior ranks after winning the US Open in 2023.
  • With a 6-0 record in singles, Fonseca led his country Brazil to its first ever Junior Davis Cup title in 2022.

Joao Fonseca quotes

My idol was always Roger [Federer], I grew up watching Roger. Everyone wanted to play like him and I even tried when I was younger the one-handed backhand for one week. Like Roger says talent isn't enough. So I put in a lot of hard work.

- Joao Fonseca, Eurosport, 2025

It's someone I have to be careful of, let's say. I have to see him. We're going to put Joao Fonseca's name on the list of the best players in the world really soon.

- Carlos Alcaraz, Eurosport, 2025

When I look at him, I look at the next Carlos Alcaraz. I can't believe how good this guy is already.

- Joao Fonseca, Eurosport, 2025

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