Joao Fonseca beats Rafael Nadal milestone, backed to be ‘near top in future’
The Joao Fonseca star continues to shine brightly as the youngster has ticked off another milestone in his short career, and now a renowned coach has suggested it is only a matter of time before he becomes a “Grand Slam master”.
Aged just 18 years and 277 days, Fonseca defeated local hope Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 at Roland Garros to reach the third round of a major for the first time.
With the win, he surpassed Rafael Nadal as the youngest player since 2000 to reach the third round at the French Open with two consecutive straight-set wins.
The great Nadal was 18 years and 354 days when he achieved that feat during his maiden title run in Paris in 2005.
“Going to the third round. It was really a dream,” Fonsece, who faces fifth seed Jack Draper next, said. “After that, I saw my grandmother entering the court. She was crying. So it’s really nice, and it’s my mom’s birthday, so it makes it more special.”
Unsurprisingly, he has been a big hit with Brazilian fans, who are not shy of showing support for the youngster during matches.
“Sometimes I feel goosebumps when the people are shouting or I make a good point and they call my name,” the teenager said. “It’s just super nice. It’s a vibe that I can’t explain.
“After the match, I just can’t talk because they shout so loud, they make a lot of noise. So it’s just super cool. It’s an amazing vibe.”
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The Brazilian is set to achieve a new career-high in the ATP Rankings after the clay-court major as he is projected to rise 11 places to No 53.
But there is no doubt that his ceiling is a lot higher with legendary coach Rick Macci, who mentored all-time greats Venus and Serena Williams early in their careers, predicting a big future.
“The Brazilian blaster has that inner courage that his successful parents always knew you cannot buy over the INTERNET,” Macci wrote on X.
“Joao has that courage go bigger pull the Brazilian trigger and launch 100 mph forehands over the NET. He loves the battle and is hard to rattle.”
In reference to Fonseca’s father who is the CEO of a Brazilian hedgefund, Macci added: “Fonseca will be near the top in the future. If I were to HEDGE my bet is not because his dad started a HEDGE fund.
“Money helps but it cuts both ways. It give you maybe a better chance but what you do with the chance will decide if you show up at the Grand Slam dance.
“Fonseca is a rare talent with unlimited potential not because his family has money like [Jessica] Pegula and [Emma] Navarro.
“Dedication Inspiration Motivation Education Stimulation and Preparation is why the Brazilian blaster arrived faster avoided disaster and will become a Grand Slam master.”
Macci previously stated the Brazilian is the best youngster since Carlos Alcaraz, writing:”Fonseca is the best young prospect I have seen since Carlos that checks the most important boxes to win Grand Slams.
“He will get unreal experience on how to lose and how to be a winner and in two years be right there with Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner.”
