Latest
Match Reaction

Fonseca rolls on at Australian Open: 'I want more and more'

18-year-old expresses appetite for success after Rublev triumph
January 14, 2025
Joao Fonseca in action against Andrey Rublev on Tuesday in Melbourne.
Getty Images
Joao Fonseca in action against Andrey Rublev on Tuesday in Melbourne. By ATP Staff

The hype surrounding Joao Fonseca is continuing to grow, and the Brazilian is hoping that it doesn't slow down as he advances at the Australian Open

Tipped to become one of the sport's brightest stars, the 18-year-old's hype hit new levels when he ousted World No. 9 Andrey Rublev in his Grand Slam main-draw debut on Tuesday. Fonseca, the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion, believes that his success in Jeddah has propelled him into a new era of confidence. 

You May Also Like: Wow Joao! Fonseca stuns Rublev in explosive Grand Slam debut

"When I arrived here [in Melbourne], my goal was to qualify for the main draw," said Fonseca, who is on a 14-match win streak at all levels. "Of course, my expectations are bigger now. I want more and more. [To] want more and more - that's the mentality of a champion. Of course I am very happy with the way that I played today, but I am already thinking about the next match. It's going to be against a very great player [Lorenzo Sonego].

"The Next Gen ATP Finals gave me confidence. I'm playing great tennis, so I need to enjoy this moment, to play my best."

The 18-year-old Brazilian was an undefeated champion in Jeddah, capturing a tournament-record prize money of $526,480. He defeated Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik en route to the title. 

At times during his first-round clash against Rublev, people would have been forgiven for mistaking Fonseca as the Top 10 star on Margaret Court Arena. The qualifier's bruising ballstriking evoked audible gasps from the crowd as he struck 51 winners in the 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) victory, according to Infosys.  

It All Adds Up

Although his experience pales in comparison to 10-time major quarter-finalist Rublev, Fonseca was undeterred. 

"I was trying to enter the court [knowing that] 'I'm an 18-year-old, he's a Top 10 guy'," Fonseca added. "I am going to do my best. Of course, I was confident, I know I can win. But no pressure on myself. 

"That's what I was trying to do, but when I was two-sets-to-love up, I was thinking a little bit more [that] maybe I was going to win this match. I needed to focus, keep pushing. The nerves came, but mentally I stayed."

The 18-year-old is only the second teenager since 1973 to defeat a Top 10 opponent in their maiden Grand Slam main-draw match after Mario Ancic beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2002.

Read More News View All News

View Related Videos View All Videos

DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL ATP WTA LIVE APP

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

Partners

Premier Partner

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Official Ball, Racquet and Tennis Accessory

Official Partners & Suppliers