Fonseca’s success formula: ignore the phone and open a book | ATP Tour

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Fonseca’s success formula: ignore the phone and open a book

The Brazilian reflects before playing in 3rd round of Roland Garros

May 30, 2025

For many teenagers, being glued to the phone is part of daily life. Suggest that they reduce time in front of the screen and read more books seems impossible. But that approach has helped João Fonseca find a healthy balance in the midst of his flourishing career.

Much of this change of mentality is due to the influence of Fonseca’s coach, Guilherme Teixeira, who has been fundamental not only to guide on the court, but also to shape the habits of his pupil out of it.

“He doesn’t like the phone at all,” Fonseca said with a smile, in statements to Atptour.com earlier this year. “When I was younger, I did not read books, so for him it was very important to show it to me. Now I read more books, not as many as he, but I effort to the fullest. It is not that I have to read every week, it is simply a way of spending less time on the phone.”

The 18 -year -old, who will play the third round of a major for the first time in Roland Garros, highlighted the autobiography of Andre Agassi, ‘Open’, as one of the readings he has enjoyed especially. Timely, Fonseca and Agassi met briefly at the March Challenger in Phoenix, where former world number 1 launched currency before the Brazilian quarterfinal match. Fonseca won the title, his third at this level.

Fonseca is inclined to biographies, and his next reading is already chosen: my greatest fear, the history of former Brazilian soccer player Adriano. Teixeira has read that book.

It is not just the books that help Fonseca lead a relaxed life outside the court. He also enjoys playing video games and values ​​the time that passes with the family, especially with his grandfather, Christian (also called João’s father), with whom he shares a special link.

“It is he with whom, when I’m in Rio, I like to share a lot. I see that he is very happy when I go home, who is about two minutes from mine,” said Fonseca. “I like to play cards with him, and also with my cousins, they love them too. So sometimes, when we are all in Rio, we say: ‘We go to grandfather’s house to play cards with him’, and love it. He simply asks: ‘How about the tour?’, And all that.”

When Fonseca competes in tournaments, his grandfather proudly observes him from afar, although the nerves can be overwhelming.

“If the game is difficult, simply turn off the TV, relax and think,” said Fonseca, laughing and imitating a deep breath with his eyes closed. “Then, turn it on again and, if it is still difficult, simply turn off the TV.”

The enthusiasm and the great expectations surround the Carioca, who occupies the 54th position of the live ranking, five positions above his best personal brand, which he partially sealed thanks to his first crown at the circuit level in Buenos Aires. There he became the younger South American to win a title at the ATP Tour (counting since 1990).

Although Fonseca is making history, filling stadiums worldwide and overcoming the million followers on Instagram, the adolescent keeps his focused approach.

“I am young and I am doing very well, but to achieve my dream, I need to concentrate on my routine, in my day to day, so I try to concentrate a lot on what I have to do with my team and my family,” said Fonseca.

The family has always been important for Fonseca. After defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the second round in Paris, Fonseca broke down to cry during his interview after the game, a sample of pure emotion. His family was at the foot of the track, which made the historic victory even more significant.

“It was very emotional. Reaching the third round. It’s a dream,” said Fonseca. “Then I saw my grandmother entering the court. I was crying. It’s very beautiful. And it’s my mother’s birthday, so it makes it even more special.”

Fonseca will seek to take revenge on the fifth head of the series, Jack Draper, the British who beat him easily 6-4, 6-0 in the first round of Indian Wells. Draper won the title, his first at an ATP Masters 1000.

“Jack is a great guy. He always speaks to me. It’s super friendly,” said Fonseca. “Jack is playing incredible these last two years. It will be great to play in third round.”