Joao Fonseca’s second ATP title of his career at the Swiss Indoors has seen him emulate some of the greatest tennis stars in the world.
Fonseca became the fourth youngest ATP 500 finalist ever and he followed it up by defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets.
The Brazilian’s win is his second of the year after the teenager captured his maiden ATP title at the Argentina Open in February 2025.
After his win at the Swiss Indoors, Fonseca has earned the same achievement at the same age as some of the sport’s greats.
Joao Fonseca emulates four tennis greats after Basel win
Fonseca will make his ATP Top 30 debut thanks to his Swiss Indoors victory and he’s done it at the same age as some of the greatest tennis stars in history.
At 19 years and two months, Fonseca has cracked the top 30 of the rankings at exactly the same age as three of the big four.
Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic made their debut in the ATP Tour top 30 at the same age as Fonseca.
The Brazilian’s surge up the rankings has not only likely confirmed his first seeded entry at a Grand Slam at the Australian Open, but it’s also confirmed he’s one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.
The jury is out on whether Fonseca will emulate the careers of Murray, Federer, and Djokovic, but he’s certainly started in the right place.
Joao Fonseca reacts to following in Roger Federer’s footsteps
Fonseca has made no secret about his adulation for Federer and he was delighted to win the tournament that the Swiss star dominated for years.
Federer won his home tournament 10 times throughout his career and Fonseca name-dropped the great star in his winner’s speech.
“I watched on TV Roger playing this tournament since I was young and winning like 10 times, if I’m not mistaken,” said Fonseca.
“It’s a pleasure playing on this court and playing here for the first time,” he added. “For sure it won’t be the last time.”
Fonseca will head to the Paris Masters next, where he will play Denis Shapovalov in the first round.
