Joao Fonseca outlasted Casper Ruud last night in a true war of attrition.
It is a testament to just how much the 19-year-old has improved as a player that he was able to battle so fiercely and relentlessly with such a proficient clay-court specialist, besting him at his own game.
However, it marked yet another gruelling clash for the youngster.
Despite his youth, playing 17 sets of tennis in just one week is enough to cause anyone physical strain, let alone at an event as important as Roland Garros.
Joao Fonseca has since spoken about the physical toll this has taken on his body.
Joao Fonseca delivers fitness update after beating Casper Ruud
Asked to offer a fitness update after such a long week of tough tennis, he insisted he remains as fresh as ever.
“I’m feeling good,” he began. “I mean, just trying to… for me, it’s different.
“I mean, getting to the locker room and less people. It’s crazy. I mean, it’s different.
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“Of course, it’s my first time, but just living the moment, you know, physically, I’m good, I’m recovering pretty well on the days off, and yeah.
“Of course, tired for the match, but having good sleep and eating good and resting, hydrating. It’s going to be great on Tuesday.”
Fonseca spoke glowingly about Ruud straight after their match, as he addressed the Philippe Chatrier crowd who had stuck around to witness the conclusion of his latest great victory.
Joao Fonseca explains why his forehand is so good
Chatting after Andy Roddick claimed Fonseca’s forehand was different to anything he’d ever seen before, the Brazilian then tried to explain exactly where and how he forged this fearsome shot.
After all, it is already being spoken about as one of the most prolific and deadly forehands in the sport at the moment.
However, Fonseca struggled to explain just how it had developed into that.
He claimed: “I mean, it’s difficult to answer.
“I mean, everyone has their own personality and their own shots, their own strength. And I think my strength is power, going for the shots, playing aggressive.
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“Since I was young, I was playing like this. Of course, not with that consistency, but I always went for the shots. I love doing winners, so I think it came from my base.
“I mean, I always tried to be me on court, and be me. Sometimes I go crazy. Sometimes the ball goes fast. Sometimes I hit the ball hard and in important moments, and I lose, but yeah, I tried to be confident, and that pushes me up.”
