Brazilian teenager discusses breakthrough year

The Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF showcases rising stars poised for tennis glory. With past champions including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who both have ascended to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the looming question is which player competing at the 20-and-under event could join the likes of those global superstars at the top of the sport?

Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, the youngest player in this week’s Jeddah field, is hoping to add his name to that mix. The 18-year-old has already shown glimpses of his potential in a standout season, starting the year at No. 730 in the PIF ATP Rankings and climbing to World No. 145.

“It was such a dream year. I would say a lot more ups and downs,” Fonseca said. “For sure [being in Jeddah] was one of the goals for this year. Actually we made some goals before the year, but after Rio de Janeiro [the ATP 500 in February], we made some changes and one of the goals was to play here. I’m very proud.”

The teenager made history in August, when he became the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP Challenger Tour title, lifting the trophy in Lexington, Kentucky. Already etching his name into the record books, Fonseca draws inspiration from a legend who paved the way for Brazilian tennis success: Gustavo Kuerten. A 20-time tour-level titlist, Kuerten is the lone Brazilian to reach World No. 1.

“The first time I met him and talked with him was last year in February at the Davis Cup,” Fonseca recalled. “We were having a conversation with the team. He came and talked a little bit with the team and also with me. He is such an idol — not only for tennis, but for Brazilian culture, for everything. He represents a lot. He was not only a great player, but he’s also a very nice person.”

Fonseca opens his Jeddah campaign against top seed Arthur Fils, a rematch from what was the Brazilian’s first tour-level win, which came this year in Rio de Janeiro. Then-ranked No. 655 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Fonseca earned a convincing 6-0, 6-4 in front of a raucous home crowd and that week became the second youngest ATP 500 quarter-finalist since the series began in 2009.

“It was a different surface. And I was [almost] 700 [in the PIF ATP Rankings]. [Arthur] had such a great season and it’s going to be a great match,” said Fonseca, seeded eighth and placed in the Blue Group.

Fonseca, who turned pro in February, will have to quickly adjust to the event’s innovative rules, which Fils is already accustomed to following his run to the final last year.

“Actually, I think it’s really nice the way they are approaching this tournament and trying new rules,” Fonseca said. “I really like how the deciding point at deuce is server’s choice, normally it’s receiver’s choice when playing in juniors. And not changing sides at 1-0 is also nice. I’m really enjoying those rules.”