 "Joao Fonseca is the second youngest player to win the ATP Next Gen Finals. Image: Reuters")
Is the tennis world on the verge of welcoming a new hero in João Fonseca? The 18-year-old Brazilian claimed the ATP Next Gen Finals title in Jeddah on Sunday, becoming the tournament’s second-youngest champion. His victory has sparked excitement and speculation about what the future holds for him. Despite being the lowest-ranked player in the eight-man field, Fonseca won all five of his matches this week, showcasing remarkable skill and determination.
The 145th-ranked Fonseca defeated left-handed Learner Tien of America in the final 2-4, 4-3 (8), 4-0, and 4-2. The teenager from Rio de Janeiro, who was ranked outside 700 at the start of 2024, earned over $500,000 in prize money by remaining unbeaten throughout.
He is the youngest champion at the event since Sinner claimed the title also at the age of 18 five years ago.
“I was really nervous before the match. I knew it was going to be so difficult,” Fonseca, who won the trophy with Rafael Nadal watching on from the stands, said. “I played a final against Learner in juniors at the 2023 US Open and I know the way he can play. He is such a nice guy and a great player, so I knew it was going to be difficult, mentally and physically. But I got through.”
Who is João Fonseca?
A sports enthusiast from an early age, the powerful right-hander gravitated towards tennis at the age of 11, leaving behind other pursuits like surfing, volleyball, football, and climbing. His passion for tennis ignited after meeting coach Guilherme Teixeira, who has mentored him ever since and whom he regards as a second father. Under Teixeira’s guidance, he achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the world junior number one and clinching the Junior US Open 2023 title.
Initially committed to joining the University of Virginia in the United States, Fonseca had planned to debut on the ATP circuit in 2023 with an invitation to the Rio Open. However, in February, he changed his plans, choosing to turn professional after recognizing his potential to compete directly on the Tour.
A pivotal moment came when Italian star Sinner offered crucial advice. Fonseca later revealed, “Sinner smiled and told me I was too good to play at the collegiate level and advised me to turn professional. He’s a truly wonderful guy, and in the end, we can say I followed his advice.”
His hometown marked a turning point in his career. After amassing victories at the Challenger level, he received a wild card to compete at the highest level. He secured his first ATP win, advancing to the quarter-finals with impressive victories over opponents like Arthur Fils and Chilean Cristian Garín, before falling to Argentine Mariano Navone. This performance propelled him over 300 places in the rankings, earning him international recognition.
The subsequent months were a period of adaptation for the promising Brazilian talent. He reached the top eight at the ATP 250 in Bucharest, claimed his first Challenger title in Lexington, and delivered crucial performances in the Davis Cup.