LONDON: On his Wimbledon main draw debut, Joao Fonseca ended his country’s 15-year wait for a male player to reach the last 32.
Taking to court 12 following a two-hour rain delay, the 18-year-old ousted America’s Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, in a hard-hitting encounter. The rising star is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in men’s tennis and is rapidly gaining in popularity with a current Instagram following of more than 1M. During his latest match at SW19, there was not a spare seat on a court that has a capacity of just over 17,000.
Fonseca continues to break new ground. He has become the youngest man to reach the third round at Wimbledon since 2011 and the first Brazilian to do so since 2010. It comes during what has been a year of firsts. Since January, he claimed his maiden ATP trophy in Buenos Aires, scored his first top 10 win and broke into the top 100, with his current ranking being 54.
It is a remarkable rise for Fonseca, who lost in the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon 12 months ago. So what has been his biggest improvement in recent months? His serve, backhand or playing at the net?
Actually, from his perspective, it is nothing physical.
“My biggest improvement is probably my mentality,” Fonseca told reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s my first full year as a pro and the mentality of playing pro is very different.
“Sometimes you’re going to play your best tennis and you’re going to lose the match because the other player can find a way to find important points. Sometimes you’re going to be a little bit more tight on important points.”
Fonseca has certainly come a long way since triumphing at the Next Gen Finals at the end of last season. Although there is also the inevitable increased amount of pressure placed on him to do well. Outside of the majors, he is still trying to find consistency at ATP events, failing to win back-to-back matches at the last five played.
Nevertheless, the youngster is embracing life on the Tour and appears to be taking everything in his stride.
“A lot has changed, people know me more, putting more expectations on me. At the same time, I’m loving being on the Tour, playing new tournaments, the big tournaments, playing against very good players and evolving,” he explained.
“That’s the most important, evolve as a person, as an athlete.”
Awaiting Fonseca in the next round will be Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in what will be an all-South American showdown. Whoever wins will be through to the last 16 of the grass court major for the first time.
“It’s just an opportunity to be here, to play this amazing tournament,” Fonseca commented.
“Now, being in the third round is just amazing. I’m very happy the way that I’ve developed on this surface, I’m evolving.”
As to what sort of player he will eventually evolve into, only time will tell.
