Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca admits he struggled to control his nerves during his first round defeat at the Rio Open.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in men’s tennis and claimed his first ATP title on Sunday at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires. Earlier this season he also won a Challenger title before qualifying for the main draw of the Australian Open where he defeated Andrey Rublev in the first round.
However, Fonseca was unable to repeat his recent run of fine form at his home tournament in Rio. Two days after winning his maiden ATP title, he suffered a 6-1, 7-6(4), loss to France’s Alexandre Muller. Hitting a costly 34 unforced errors with half of those coming from his forehand side.
“I knew that I would get nervous, that I would have to face the nervousness and fear of playing with so many people (watching). I knew I had to face the moment and I tried with all my strength, but unfortunately I couldn’t. It’s part of the sport. These moments will come, moments of pressure will come.” ESPN Brazil quoted Fonseca as saying after his loss.
“It’s about continuing to evolve, learning from these experiences to become stronger in the future. Unfortunately, I’m sad about the defeat, but looking on the positive side, it’s experience for next time.”
The youngster went on to dismiss suggestions that his performance was linked to the short turnaround between tournaments.
“(I was) 100% physically. I managed to get two good nights of sleep and rest well. I was also pain-free. Today (Tuesday) had nothing to do with the physical, it was more the mental part.” He said.
Fonseca is currently the youngest player ranked in the PIF ATP top 100 at 68th in the world. He is also the youngest South American player to win a tournament in the ATP Era which began in 1990.
As for his latest match, Fonseca says his biggest regret was not being himself on the court.
“(The biggest disappointment) is knowing that I would have to face this nervousness and I couldn’t play my game,” he said.
“I couldn’t find that form and play with the public. I think that was my frustration, I couldn’t be myself on the court.”
Five Brazilians were playing in the main draw at this year’s Rio Open but only Thiago Monteiro has made it through to the second round.
