Patrick Mouratoglou gives his verdict on Joao Fonseca as the hype machine builds

Kevin Palmer 06 Mar 2025 2:14 PM

Joao Fonseca celebrates at the Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner may be the dominant forces in the men’s game, yet the new ‘Big 2’ could soon have company at the top of the rankings.

A glut of exciting young players are bursting through the ranks, with the next generation rapidly catching up on the current giants at the top of the game.

Now respected coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given his verdict on the four players he believes are ready to challenge at the top of the sport and he started with João Fonseca.

The Brazilian teenager made a stunning breakthrough as he won his first ATP Tour title in Argentina last month and Mouratoglou – who is a former coach of Serena Williams – has joined the chorus suggesting he is a star in the making.

“He just won his first ATP title on clay, but don’t be fooled, his game translates to any surface,” wrote Mouratoglou on LinkedIn.

“At just 18, his confidence is sky-high, and he plays with fearless energy. He already secured a big win on hard courts by defeating Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open.

“He has the weapons to trouble anyone, and this tournament is the perfect stage to showcase his talent.”

Next on Mouratoglou’s list is American Alex Mickelsen, who reached the last-16 at the Australian Open and is knocking on the door of the top 30 in the rankings heading into Indian Wells.

“The American is powerful, aggressive, and already proving he belongs at the top,” said Mouratoglou, who is currently coaching four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

“After his impressive run at the Australian Open where he defeated Tsitsipas and reached the fourth round, he’ll have the full support of the home crowd. We know how dangerous American players can be on home soil.”

France’s Arthur Fils is now an established ATP Tour player and Mouratoglou suggests the 20-year-old has too much talent not to reach the top of the game.

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“We’ve been talking about him for a while now, and for good reason,” he continued.

“He’s explosive, athletic, and constantly progressing. He hasn’t had his big breakthrough yet, but he’s getting closer. Indian Wells could be the moment he makes his mark.”

Finally, he cast his eye over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who boasts a serve that can test the best in the game, but still lacks the consistency to maintain his form over a full tournament.

“If you love big serves and aces, this is your guy,” added Mouratoglou. “He has the best serve on tour right now, and his second serve is just as dangerous as his first.

“He barely hits double faults and can win free points at any time. A player like this is always a threat in fast conditions.”