Carlos Alcaraz was put in an unfamiliar position yesterday against Joao Fonseca.
After all, the world number one is used to being revered and adored wherever he plays, with his enthralling play style and affable personality making him easy to support.
These factors are likely celebrated by Brazilian tennis fans most of the time, but just not when he is facing their hometown hero Joao Fonseca.
Carlos Alcaraz spoke about the feeling of playing against both a player and an entire stadium after his recent win over the 19-year-old, stating whether he thinks they were respectful throughout.
Carlos Alcaraz gives his thoughts on the Miami Open crowd
He began by admitting: “I would like to say it wasn’t a bad thing, it was supporting him.”
Alcaraz explained why support for Fonseca rather than animosity towards him was the main reason why he actually enjoyed the Miami Open crowd.
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He continued: “I think that’s a big difference. I would say they were respectful most of the match, just supporting him when they had to. It was great, and I enjoyed the atmosphere so much. For just the second round of a Masters, I think it was incredible, to be honest.
“I didn’t want to silence anybody. I just wanted to do my stuff, do my job and try to play my best because I know what Joao is able to do on a tennis court. I just tried to be focused, not to hear anything from the crowd, and just keep going forward all the time.
“I’m proud that I was able to do it, but at the same time, I had so much fun with such a great atmosphere out there.”
Alcaraz praised Fonseca’s game after the match, making a bright prediction for his future.
What Joao Fonseca said about the crowd during his match vs Carlos Alcaraz
Fonseca also gave his verdict on the crowd afterwards, and seemed to echo much of Alcaraz’s sentiment.
He claimed: “It was amazing.
“What a great crowd. It’s always great to play someone who is very good with a great charisma and have the crowd — I think it was more like 60-40 for me.
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“It was kind of a great atmosphere. They respect Carlos and it was a fun match because he played some amazing shots. It was entertaining and good for both.”
Fonseca may have been generous with his ’60-40 split’ suggestion, but everyone will have enjoyed watching these two elite youngsters do battle regardless of the result.
