This year’s Shanghai Masters was full of shocks but a notable absentee from the tournament was one of the Tour’s rising stars.
Joao Fonseca, who is currently ranked 45th in the world, opted not to play in Asia and instead prepared for the European indoor swing. Initially, it appeared that this was a scheduling choice made by the Brazilian and his team. However, it has now been revealed that the decision was medical-related.
Speaking with ESPN Brazil on Monday, Fonseca confirmed he has been suffering from a sinus infection, which has since cleared up. The timing of the infection started shortly before the Shanghai Masters was set to get underway.
“One thing my team and I have been very careful about is choosing tournaments wisely in this, my first year playing major tournaments. We opted out of Asia this year because I had a sinus infection, so I decided to stay home and rest, prepare, and be 100% ready to play,” he said.
“I was out for a while, about three or four days, and it was right before I could go to Shanghai, so we decided not to go to the tournament. But I’m 100% now, my doctor was able to approve everything, and I’m fine to compete. I’m happy to be back and that nothing serious happened.”
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout 2025 during which he has won his first Grand Slam main draw match at the Australian Open before going on to win his first Tour title in Argentina. He has also reached the third round at the French Open and Wimbledon. However, in recent months, Fonseca has struggled with his consistency and recording back-to-back wins. His win-loss for 2025 is currently 21-14.
“It’s been an amazing year overall, on every level,” Fonseca recently reflected. “Expectations are high, I know, but I just try to keep growing as a player and as a person.”
Looking to bounce back, Fonseca’s next tournament is the European Open in Brussels, where he is the seventh seed.
“This is my first time visiting Belgium, and I’m really impressed by the city, the atmosphere, and the incredible views,” he commented. “I’m very excited to play here. After a long season, I still feel fresh. I skipped the Asian tour, so I’ve got some energy left and hope to show my best tennis.”
Fonseca is currently the second-youngest player in the top 100 after world No.38 Learner Tien.
