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.
Joao Fonseca was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Born on 21st August 2006, Joao Fonseca is 18 years old.
Joao Fonseca is 6ft 1ins and his weight is 162lbs (73kg).
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.
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