Joao Fonseca is one of tennis’ most talked-about talents, and justifiably so.
However, with great excitement and hype comes inevitable scrutiny when players fail to quickly live up to expectations.
Given his age and relative inexperience on tour, what he has already accomplished is mightily impressive.
It more than explains why he has amassed such a big following from the Brazilians who follow him to every tournament.
However, that very support, which has fast-tracked him to stardom, is now causing some problems, with Joao Fonseca having actually had to come out and make a plea after his latest loss to Hamad Medjedovic.
Joao Fonseca asks his Brazil fans to stop interrupting the matches
Speaking to ESPN Brazil after his loss, Fonseca had a message for his fans.
And, whilst he tried to remain grateful and measured, he did still have a request for them going forward.
Are Joao Fonseca’s fans good for tennis? 😬
Asked why he felt the match against Medjedovic got away from him, Fonseca replied: “Too many interruptions.”
He continued: “I’m not going to say that was the reason for the loss, because it wasn’t. But the crowd really matters; Brazilian fans sometimes think it’s a football match. I love the crowd, but there has to be a small limit.
“It doesn’t only bother the player, it also bothers me. So, it’s just a request, but I still enjoy playing with the crowd, with the people cheering for me.”
Medjedovic gave his thoughts on Fonseca’s fans after the match too, having delighted in winding them up during the fiercely-contested clash.
Joao Fonseca’s worrying form ahead of Roland Garros
Whilst Fonseca shone in Monte Carlo, impressing on his way to the quarter-finals, the youngster has struggled since then.
After all, having been beaten by eventual champion Ben Shelton in Munich, he has actually yet to win a match since, with his only progression through in Madrid coming due to Marin Cilic’s withdrawal.
Will Joao Fonseca be the man to break up Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s dominance?
If not, who will be?
Fonseca lost in an all-teenage battle in Madrid to Rafael Jodar, before losing most recently to Hamad Medjedovic despite taking a one-set lead.
It marks a worrying run of form for the 19-year-old, who has now won just one of his last four matches on the dirt.
Given he reached the third round at Roland Garros in 2025, he will have to summon something rather special and unexpected if he is even to match that performance this year.
