Joao Fonseca sends message to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as he reveals his big ‘dream’
Joao Fonseca has expressed his desire to emulate Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals.
The prodigious Brazilian asserted that his “dream” is to become world No 1 as he looked ahead to competing “in big matches at Grand Slams.”
Fonseca defeated Learner Tien 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 in the final of the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah on Sunday.
The 18-year-old won all five of his matches at the event, which featured the top eight players of the 2024 season aged 20 or under.
Fonseca is at a career-high ranking of world No 145, having started the year in 730th place. He won his maiden Challenger Tour title in Lexington in July.
Following his victory in Jeddah, Fonseca reflected with pride on his development this year and revealed his biggest goal.
“If you told Joao at the start of the year that he did all the things he did this year, he would think it is amazing,” Fonseca said.
“It is amazing how I have improved physically and mentally. I have been very strong mentally, winning matches against top 50, top 20 players. I am proud of myself, but of course I want more. My dream is to become No 1.
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“Of course, now after winning Next Gen, I want to enjoy it this week and relax and celebrate with my family. I want to enjoy the moment and I am very pleased and thankful for this year.”
The Brazilian also addressed being compared with Sinner and Alcaraz, who have both won multiple majors and reached world No 1 since winning the Next Gen ATP Finals in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
“It is a good pressure. By winning Next Gen, it shows I am on the right path,” Fonseca added.
“I hope I can do the same or even better than what they have done and are doing and are going to do.
“I look forward to playing with them and I hope I can compete in big matches at Grand Slams. It is where I want to go.”
He added: “It was amazing all week. Seeing people from other countries cheering for you. People don’t need to cheer for me but they are.
“I am very happy with that. I like to entertain. In important moments I need help from the crowd I try to entertain.
“It was nice to see Brazilian fans here too. There was a group here all week. It was amazing to see them cheering for me and the country.”
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