Melo about Fonseca, his similarities with Alcaraz and more: “It is on the right track” | ATP Tour

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Melo about Fonseca, his similarities with Alcaraz and more: “It is on the right track”

The Brazilian reflects on his compatriot of the #nextGenatp

April 22, 2025

The Brazilian Marcelo Melo won one of the most important titles of his career in February at the Open River presented by Claro, along with his compatriot Rafael Matos in the conquest of the ATP 500 trophy. It was an emotional scene in the Jockey Club Brazilo, with the fans unconditionally supporting his local favorites.

Among the public who attended two of the parties was the greatest hope of the country: João Fonseca. Millions of fans around the world have followed every step in recent months. But despite the disappointment of losing his first game of the tournament, the 18 -year -old returned to the stadium to support his friends.

“He says a lot. Normally, the players do not want to return to the tracks after losing in the tournament. We move on to the next tournament,” Melo told Atptour.com. “But he returned to support us in the semifinal and the final, and says a lot about his character, how he tries to support other players, his friends.”

“It seemed very kind to him. Of course we did not ask him to come, because we know how difficult it is for him with all the security, but he struggled a lot to come and it was very pleasant.”

Fonseca did not limit himself to observing. He even got up from his seat to try to encourage Brazilians.

“You can see that it is a pure reaction, a natural reaction,” said Melo. “We already loved Brazilians to see it, because as many Brazilians are playing at a high level, it is better for everyone, for tennis, for the fans to see more Brazilians. So seeing ourselves striving to improve is always good.”

“I received many messages with the video of his reaction. I was glad. I told him that I was very happy to come to see us. It really makes the difference.”

Look at Fonseca’s reaction:

Fonseca began to compete for his country in the Davis Cup last year and Melo, who has a lot representing Brazil for a long time, met the young man better during the time they spent together on the team.

At first glance, there is a big age difference between the two: Melo first entered the PIF ATP Rankings in 1999, while Fonseca was born in 2006. Melo joked to have asked him if he knew what a fax was.

“Sometimes I think it doesn’t matter because we do the same. We play the same tournaments. We have the same job and share experiences,” Melo said. “I’ve been on the circuit for many years.”

“I can share a lot of experience and he is there, willing to learn, to ask me a couple of things, but it doesn’t matter. I can also ask him to learn. I always think we can learn from each other. No matter who you are, no matter the ranking you have.”

Melo has also been impressed with Fonseca on the court. The champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF last year has maintained his rapid ascent in 2025, surprising Andrey Rublev in the Australian Open, winning his first ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires and an ATP Challenger Tour 175 trophy in Phoenix.

“Everyone knows how good it can be. He won very difficult games as against Andrey this year in Australia. There is no one to get and win as Andrey in a Grand Slam. I hope he can achieve his dream,” said Melo. “But I also like how are things around.

Melo is known for his insight in doubles, but is very familiar with what is needed to be an elite individual player. One of his best friends is Alexander Zverev, number 2 of the ranking. According to the 39 -time double circuit champion, Fonseca has a quality similar to that of Carlos Alcaraz.

“He prefers to take the game, take the game and win or not. He doesn’t wait for the opponent to fail or lose,” said Melo. “It is a quality with which it is sometimes born. I think Alcaraz also possesses it. A couple of professional players from Top 10 possess it. They go for all and try to look …”

“Tennis is unpredictable, you never know. But without a doubt, if it continues, it is on the right track. I think a brilliant future awaits you.”

In his rise, Melo was inspired by Gustavo Kuerten, the only Brazilian who reached number one in the world. Melo and his compatriots saw what ‘Guga’ achieved and believed that they could also achieve great things. For 41 -year -old tennis player, Fonseca has the opportunity to be a model to follow in that regard.

“I think his way of playing brings some emotion that makes me believe that he will be champion of Grand Slam, number one,” Melo said. “It’s too early to say, of course, it is good to have such a dream.”