Joao Fonseca is undeniably one of the ATP Tour’s brightest young stars, set to fly the flag for men’s tennis for many years to come.
However, whilst his stock continues to rise, he is still some distance from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
All he can do is maintain his current upward trajectory whilst trying not to focus on what’s occurring around him, even if the competition is increasing.
And, his role as one of the best teenagers on the ATP Tour is certainly under threat after what Rafael Jodar has been producing in recent months, with the two finally set to meet in their first-ever tour-level match.
Joao Fonseca previews his Madrid Open match vs Rafa Jodar
Alas, despite the fact that we have never seen these two face one another before, jJoao Fonseca has actually revealed that he and Jodar are good friends.
Speaking after he was given a walkover in the Madrid Open second round, with Marin Cilic withdrawing, the Brazilian discussed his upcoming clash with the young Spaniard.
He admitted: “Jodar is also a great friend of mine.
Will Joao Fonseca be the man to break up Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s dominance?
If not, who will be?
“He’s my age, he’s been playing a beautiful level of tennis, competing very well against the world’s top players, and he’s growing more and more, learning more and more from whoever comes next. It’s going to be a beautiful match.
“We are two great players. So it’s good, very happy to be in this third round. I like to wait for my opponent to focus on the match.”
It promises to be a great spectacle, especially given that after his latest win over Alex De Minaur, Jodar now holds a better record than all of the Big Three.
Joao Fonseca responds to being called an idol in Brazil
In a separate interview with ESPN Brazil, Fonseca was also asked about how it felt to potentially already be an ‘idol’ in his home country of Brazil.
“It’s an honour,” he began.
“My idols are (Ayrton) Senna, Pelé, Ronaldinho. I’m just a young man wanting to make more history for our country, but it’s an honour.
“I see children saying they are inspired by me, that I’m their idol, and that motivates me to keep growing as a player, as a person.
“I’ve been striving for that, but anyway, of course, there’s a bit of pressure, representing, it’s a good pressure, representing your country, it’s a pleasure to do what we love.”
Fonseca is still some distance away from cementing himself in tennis history, but he is certainly making steps in the right direction. Beating Jodar tomorrow would be a huge one in reaffirming his status as the best teenage talent on tour.
