Reportage
Trip to Jeddah: Fonseca’s rapid growth in its mission
The Brazilian will compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF
November 30, 2024
ATP Tour
Joao Fonseca is No. 145 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
By Grant Thompson
While João Fonseca jogs on a treadmill, he receives instructions from his coach Guilherme Teixeira. But the instructions have nothing to do with physical fitness or forehand and backhand strokes.
“Focus on reading books. Let’s try to finish this book by Sunday. Make it a goal to do it because it will take you away from other things,” Teixeira said in Portuguese, as shown in our new video series “Jeddah Trip,” which includes behind-the-scenes footage of Fonseca and his team.
One of the most exciting young superstars in tennis, the Brazilian is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for success. The 18-year-old is filled with immense potential and already carries himself with a poise beyond his years.
“I think I have great maturity and that is due to this sport,” Fonseca said. “I’m definitely growing fast.”
The Brazilian is rising as fast as ever in the PIF ATP Rankings, where he is currently the youngest player in the Top 150, an impressive feat for a player who began the season ranked No. 730 in the world.
Fonseca’s meteoric rise began with a dream run to the quarterfinals in February at his home tournament, the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro. In just his second match on the circuit, Fonseca beat his compatriot Arthur Fils, star of the #NextGenATP, 6-0, 6-4. The match captured everything fans love about Fonseca, from his fearless shots to his infectious youthful energy.
“He has a little bit of that childish style,” said analyst Blair Henley. “He might try shots that make you think, ‘Hmm, maybe that’s not the shot I’d take, maybe that’s not the safe shot, but that’s what makes him so fun to watch.’”
The young man, who had a brilliant idea in 2023, and which Fonseca analyzes in the full video above, aspired to be among the eight best players under 20 years of age of the season and qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF . The former junior number one, who won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Lexington, Kentucky in August, has done just that and earned a place in Jeddah.
“Playing with the eight best players under 20 years old…” said Fonseca. “It’s a dream to play with those guys in this tournament.”
The Brazilian’s journey this season has been one of great progress and growth, but he sees it as just the launching pad.
“My coach tells me a lot: ‘With talent and hard work, the sky is the limit,’” Fonseca said.
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/fonseca-journey-to-jeddah-2024