Joao Fonseca adds superstar coach who helped Juan Martin del Potro to Grand Slam glory to his team
Joao Fonseca has added a renowned coach Franco Davin to his team, a move that bears striking resemblance to one made by Juan Martin del Potro.
Davin has, most notably, coached Juan Martin del Potro to Grand Slam success at the 2009 US Open, when he defeated five-time defending champion Roger Federer in the final.
The Argentine will join former player Guilherme Teixeira as the second coach on Fonseca’s team, after Davin’s advice throughout 2024 was viewed as helpful to the teenager.
Teixeria, Fonseca’s main coach, confirmed the decision: “And he [Davin] will be with us in Miami, where he lives.
“We even considered, if Joao wasn’t playing Phoenix, spending a week training at his gym, but in the end, he’ll be with us at the tournament and should be in Rio for the preparation for clay court season.
“Yes, [he will travel] during a few weeks throughout the year.”
Davin has also coached Grigor Dimitrov, Guillermo Coria, Cristian Garin, and has been the Davis Cup captain for Argentina – as well as helping Fabio Fognini capture the title at the Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo back in 2019.
Teixeria, himself, reached a career-high of world No 1,668 in doubles in 2006 as a teenager, but did not have a long professional career – first taking notice of Fonseca as a 12-year-old.
“I pay for myself. In 2024, I benefited so much from it, and he offered me everything for free, that I felt a bit awkward,” said Fonseca’s main coach.
“I ‘bother’ him so much that I prefer to pay and be sure I can ‘bother’ him as much as I want. Basically, that’s it. He’s a guy I have great synergy with.
“We need to respect, above all, Joao’s opinion. Joao felt super comfortable with me having this consultation, and the time we spent together in Miami last year was also very relaxed.
It’s been super productive, yes.”
The Brazilian gained his first win at the Miami Open against fellow teenager Learner Tien 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, fighting through physical discomfort.
Latest ATP News
Novak Djokovic welcomes Nick Kyrgios’ return: ‘Great to see him back and playing well’
“I knew it was going to be a difficult match,” Fonseca said.
“I knew Learner was going to fight until the end, he’s a great fighter. He knows how to play, he’s very smart.
“So I needed to go until the end and I just went to it hard and the Brazilian crowd was with me today.”
Fonseca has had a breakthrough last four months, winning the Next Gen Finals, Argentina Open, and two Challenger titles.
Many comparisons between del Potro and Fonseca have been made, especially concerning the teenager’s powerful forehand – a signature shot of the Argentine’s.
“I’m very, very curious about him,” stated Kei Nishikori, after losing to the Brazilian in the Phoenix Challenger event, prior to the Miami Open.
“His forehand speed is excellent. It’s a little bit different from Del Potro, but it’s similar. I think he’s a good player with a strong forehand.”
Fonseca is next scheduled to play Ugo Humbert in the second round of Miami.
