Fonseca grows up in Bucharest and impresses all of South America | ATP Tour

Bucharest

Fonseca grows up in Bucharest and impresses all of South America

The 17-year-old Brazilian signs his second ATP Tour quarterfinal at the age of 17.

April 18, 2024

By ATPTour.com/es Staff

The rise of Brazilian #NextGenATP Joao Fonseca is just beginning.

At just 17 years old, Fonseca continues to show signs of unparalleled talent, to become, sooner rather than later, the generational replacement of all Latin tennis. And if necessary, this Thursday, after a rainy Wednesday, he was able to leave Moldovan Radu Albot behind 7-6 (2), 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Tiriac Open in Bucharest.

For Fonseca it is only his second quarterfinal on the ATP circuit, after reaching the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of the year. “Today was a big fight. I knew the track was going to be heavy because of the rain,” Fonseca said. “Yesterday we started with a single game [a causa de la lluvia] and he started with a break. He knew he was an experienced guy. He is twice my age, so I had to fight until the end and I am very happy with this victory,” said Fonseca.

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Fonseca converted three of his four break points and won 70% of his second serves, according to Infosys ATP Stats. He will now face fourth seed Alejandro Tabilo, who defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-3 6-4, securing a Latin semi-finalist in the semi-finals.

“I just want to say thank you [al torneo] for the wild card,” Fonseca said. “It means a lot to me and my development and I’m very happy. Thank you very much,” she closed.

The teenager began the week at a career-best world No. 276 and has risen to No. 240 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. Additionally, he is sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah as he attempts to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.

Meanwhile, Fonseca is not afraid to set big goals and have no ceilings. He knows that a difficult road and work await him ahead, but his dreams go hand in hand. The one born in Rio de Janeiro is increasingly ready to break into the top of the Tour and his name will continue to make noise.

Did you know…?
Fonseca won the US Open as a junior and his game adapts to all surfaces. In addition, he was a sparring partner at the last Nitto ATP Finals and was able to share training with the best players in the world.