Joao Fonseca endured a tough start to the 2026 campaign, but it feels like he’s finally getting his season back on track.
And, with the pressure that comes with being the outstanding player from a nation the size of Brazil, a return to form could not have come at a better time.
At just 19 years old, this talented teenager boasts the sporting weight of a hugely passionate country on his shoulders. Thus far, it feels like he’s coping well.
However, when given the opportunity to share the struggles associated with such pressure, Joao Fonseca instead argued otherwise.
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Speaking at his recent press conference ahead of his Monte Carlo Masters match against Matteo Berrettini, Fonseca reiterated that the vocal support he receives from his countrymen spurs him on rather than adds to his fears.
He claimed: “Well, I would say that there are Brazilians everywhere, so, yeah, the Brazilians are wild. Even 10 Brazilians can make a lot of noise, so it’s noisy. It’s fun.
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“Today was a great atmosphere against the French crowd and a Brazilian crowd, and then yeah, it was a great vibe. So yeah, I think the support from the fans, support from the crowd is just really important. Well, for me, it’s really good.
“I think the tennis atmosphere is great. It helps the player when things are difficult or things are good, that you need to stay focused. For example, for me, today in the match it was difficult, and the crowd helped me to stay positive, to stay in the game.”
Fonseca concluded by explaining how tennis in Brazil just continues to grow, coincidentally alongside his emergence onto the ATP Tour: “I mean, in Brazil, tennis is getting bigger and bigger and the Brazilian crowd are following more and more tennis.”
Fonseca discussed the crowd at his recent Monte Carlo match, as the home crowd battled with his Brazilian followers during his win over Arthur Rinderknech.
Joao Fonseca expresses his love for clay
Fonseca, as a South American, has an unsurprising fondness for clay.
After all, it’s the surface most of them are brought up on, and it certainly helps them during this particular part of the season.
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However, as someone with enough weapons to challenge no matter the conditions, Fonseca will be keen to ensure he remains competitive on all fronts. These coming months just represent a particular opportunity to take advantage of his favoured surface.
Discussing the clay earlier this week, he admitted: “I was born on clay.
“I needed patience, but I felt like I could hit very hard and win every point, but sometimes it went for a winner. Sometimes was directly to the fence, but I kind of understood that I need to work on the point and be patient. So yeah, clay gave me this and it’s different from hard, but I’m feeling great in court.”
