Joao Fonseca’s turbulent start to 2026 shows no signs of easing after he suffered a shock exit from the Argentina Open.
The Brazilian, who was the defending champion in Buenos Aires, suffered a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 loss to Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match. Fonseca hit 29 winners but produced a costly 33 unforced errors during the roller-coaster match. In the final set, he battled back from a 1-3 deficit to draw level, but got broken when serving to stay in the match at 5-6.
“It was a difficult match. The fact that I was entering the court as the champion made me feel tense the whole time, but I fought and fought and tried to do my best,” Fonseca told reporters after his loss.
“I had some opportunities, but I lacked conviction and confidence. But I’m sure the results will come. I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Fonseca has yet to achieve a Tour-level win this season, which he started later than originally scheduled due to a lower back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Brisbane International. Then at the Australian Open, he was beaten in the first round by Eliot Spizzirri.
Reflecting on his latest performance, the 19-year-old admits he was caught off guard by Tabilo. Coming into this week, the Chilean hadn’t beaten a top 50 player on clay since last year’s Monte Carlo Masters when he upset Novak Djokovic. Tabilo also defeated 2024 champion Facundo Díaz Acosta in the previous round.
“At the beginning of the match, he surprised me by starting to return inside the court, and that put a lot of pressure on me in the first few games. I see that more as his merit than my fault, especially since he continued to serve well,” Fonseca explained.
“Then I managed to break him in the second set. The opportunity arose, and I was able to take advantage of it. At the level I’m playing now, you have to take those chances, even if you’re not playing at your best.”
“I tried everything to motivate myself. I was pissed off with my legs, which weren’t moving the way they needed to. My body wasn’t helping me hit the good shots I wanted.”
In the live rankings, Fonseca has dropped down to 37th in the world from his current position of 33rd. He will be hoping to get back on track next week at his home tournament in Rio de Janeiro.
“The thing is to keep working and doing the right things. I leave sad because it could have been different, but I know there’s a lot ahead of me.” He concluded.
