One week after Joao Fonseca's impressive quarter-final run at the Rio Open presented by Claro, the 17-year-old announced on Instagram his decision to turn pro and forgo his college eligibility.
The #NextGenATP star, who is at a career-high World No. 343 in the PIF ATP Rankings, was committed to play college tennis at the University of Virginia.
"It was an incredibly tough decision for me and my family as I have been dreaming about living a college life in Charlottesville, playing the sport that l love with a wonderful team and coach, but, in the last months, professional tennis called me in a way that I simply couldn't say no," Fonseca wrote.
After beginning his season outside the Top 700 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Fonseca produced a high level in just his second tour-level event last week. The teenage wild card, who won the 2023 US Open boys' singles title, defeated Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin en route to the Rio last eight.
Fonseca is sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah as he aims for his maiden trip to the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals, which runs from 18-22 December.
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