Roger Federer is the idol of many young tennis players, one of whom is the rising star Brazilian Joao Fonseca. In Brazil they already compare him to Jannik Sinner, but he doesn’t want to hear comparisons. On the contrary: he who calls the Swiss Maestro and his legendary countryman Guga Kuerten his idols, wants to continue on his path and write his name in the history of tennis.
In the exclusive interview with our colleagues at Tennis World Italy, the young Brazilian touched on many interesting topics. Joao showed off his skills thanks to a game that was both aggressive and explosive and was number 1, also triumphing at the US Open Junior. This year he had the chance to compete on the ATP Tour and immediately became the first tennis player born in 2006 to achieve an official victory. The Brazilian has just recently achieved a dream by winning a match in the Davis Cup as well.
What does it mean to you to win the first match for Brazil in the Davis Cup?
“Representing my country is a dream, a truly special event. It is an important point for Brazil after yesterday’s tough defeat. I am really happy and I will try to express the same level on Saturday, I am focused on this now.”
João Fonseca does it! 🇧🇷
The Brazilian puts on a impressive display to defeat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4 7-6 👏#DavisCup @cbtenis pic.twitter.com/xfajpBuXSu
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 12, 2024
What are the most important lessons that the transition from the Junior to the major circuit is teaching you?
“It’s a different kind of tennis. When you have the opportunity, for example at 30-40, you have to take advantage of it against these players. If you don’t, they will close the door and never open it again. So you have to convert your chances to put pressure on the opponent. That’s what I’m trying to build. The transition from the Junior Tour to the professional world is difficult, but I’m playing well and that’s the most important thing.”
In Brazil they compared you to a young Sinner. Do you like this comparison?
“I watch Jannik a lot. He’s a young player and he’s already won two Slams. People say that because I play aggressively just like him. I try to attack the net and take advantage of my opportunities. But I want to write my own story and play my own tennis. I’m working every day to try to do better than him. I’d like to face him, I want to play against the great tennis players. It’s a complicated comparison. People make a lot of comparisons not only with Sinner, but also with Guga Kuerten, who is everyone’s idol in Brazil. I try to focus on myself, on my work and on my routine.”
JOÃO FONSECA!
Fabulous 6-4, 7-6(3) win over Botic Van de Zandschulp to give Brasil the lead in Bologna.
Played an INCREDIBLE tiebreak
With this kid they can dream… pic.twitter.com/pBki6ufbMe
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 12, 2024
Is Guga Kuerten your biggest idol?
“Obviously he is one of my biggest idols in the world of tennis. Not only for his game and the fact that he represented Brazil so well, but for the person he is. He is very humble and kind. Two years ago, when I was just a Junior player, he wrote to me and it was incredible. As a child I always watched a lot of Roger Federer matches. He was the player I enjoyed watching the most, because he always made tennis look easy. He is an idol for me.”
What are your goals?
“I believe there are no limits. I want to work day after day, week after week and play the sport I love. My dream is to become number one and I will work for it. We will see what happens.”