Carlos Alcaraz is the man to beat on the ATP Tour right now, and it only really feels like Jannik Sinner can do it.
After all, such is their overwhelming quality, the gulf between them and the rest of the men’s game is huge.
Not only do they sit atop the world rankings, but they have actually shared all of the last eight Grand Slam titles between them. That’s without mentioning the fact that all of the last three major finals have been contested between them, too.
Their rivalry is one that steals the interest of the sporting world, but some tennis fans have justifiably started looking to who might be able to unsettle this duopoly.
The name most people settle on is Joao Fonseca.
Carlos Alcaraz’s advice for Joao Fonseca
Just 19 years old, it might seem strange to heap such expectations on the shoulders of someone so young.
However, he has already proven his penchant for the big occasion and boasts two ATP titles to his name after just one full campaign on the ATP Tour. He’s ready to start joining these conversations.
Joao Fonseca will be the man to unsettle Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s duopoly over men’s tennis – Prove us wrong!
He will have aspirations far beyond just challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner, but for now, that would represent a start.
And, ironically when asked about the Brazilian talent, the world number one was more than happy to offer some advice whilst praising his emphatic play style.
Alcaraz noted: “He is a very attractive player to watch, I love watching him, for the way he plays and for those powerful shots he has, with that beautiful and strong forehand. I am happy to start living experiences with him. At the beginning of this season, he has not been able to play the tournaments due to physical problems, and I advise him to take care of himself and recover, as he is very young.”
Roger Federer even compared himself to Fonseca earlier this week, such is the growing expectation building around this elite youngster.
What has Joao Fonseca said about Carlos Alcaraz?
Interestingly enough, Fonseca was actually asked about Alcaraz recently, and naturally spoke glowingly about the Spaniard whilst chatting with The Guardian.
Discussing their recent exhibition match in Miami, and any additional advice he gained during that period together, he added: “I’d already practised with him two or three times, but it was great to see how he deals with the important points. I played a good match and almost got him in the tie-break.
Pick your Australian Open dark horse!
“We talked a little about life and his career before the match. He’s a great guy, very humble, and an inspiration for the next generation.”
It will be really interesting to see if Fonseca can take that next big step in 2026 and establish himself not only within the top ten but alongside Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the pinnacle of the men’s game.
