Joao Fonseca and the support of Miami: “It was like being in Brazil” | ATP Tour

Miami

Fonseca and the support of Miami: “It was like being in Brazil”

The Brazilian was surpassed by De Miñaur in the third round

March 25, 2025

Joao Fonseca left a special mark on the Miami Open presented by Itaú. In his first participation in the tournament, the Brazilian received immense support from the public during his victories against Learner Tien and the head of series No. 19 Ugo Humbert before being defeated 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 by Alex de Miñaur.

Although he failed to add his second consecutive victory against a top 20 of the PIF ATP Rankings, Fonseca continued to amaze the hundreds of Brazilian fans who came to their duel on Monday night against the 10th favorite. Joao leaves Florida behind with great memories after first advance to the third round in a 1000 ATP Masters.

“My first feeling was clear: it seemed that I was in Brazil,” Fonseca said. “I do not mean only the stands, the organization also treated me as if I were at home. That was very nice. I loved this event.”

“I knew that many people would come, but I was not aware of how enormous it would be. It has been very special to be here.”

^{The Brazilian fans encourage Joao Fonseca in Miami. Photography: Peter Staples/ATP Tour.}

Fonseca received the cheers of the stands throughout the game, especially in the last bars of the third manga where he tried an exciting comeback. After missing an initial rupture on the final set, the Brazilian pressed his teeth until 30/30 when Miñaur served for victory.

“I wanted to have fun. They were probably going to be my last minutes this year in Miami, so I dedicated myself to enjoying,” he said about his interactions with fans in the final part of the meeting.

“With 30/15 in their favor, people started [a cantar] Joao Fonseca! ‘ I was focused on continuing to fight: ‘Ok, continue’. I reached 30/30 with a great points. I went back to the fans. Maybe you managed to break your service. Then I was going to feel very motivated. “

“I was enjoying the moment. I looked at my coach in a laugh, I wanted to have a good time. Those moments are special. It is my job, but it is a job that I love. Sometimes I need to enjoy.”

After playing three intense games in Miami, Fonseca is satisfied with the level shown before the elite ATP Tour. After a traced in three sleeves against Tien (which he already won twice in the Next Gen ATP Finals present by Pif in December), the Brazilian added his first victory Lexus ATP Head2head against Humbert and brought Miñaur to Miñaur for the first time.

“Competeing the best serves to know what level you are,” he confessed. “I see that I am on the right path, playing good matches against first level tennis players. That’s where I want to be. I feel happy for the way I played those games.”

With the beaten earth season on the horizon, Fonseca wants to continue learning the trade. “Every detail is new, I need to get used to everything.”

“I will live new experiences and I have to adapt. I’m going to play my tennis, the aggressive game you know. Now the clay comes and it will be beautiful. It will be a good experience.”