Nick Kyrgios believes Brazil’s top-ranked player on the men’s Tour has the ability to win multiple major titles in the future.
The former Wimbledon runner-up praised Joao Fonseca ahead of their scheduled clash at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Rio on Friday. UTS is a tennis league co-founded by coach Patrick Mouratoglou and held in various places around the world. It differentiates itself by having different rules from standard tennis. This includes matches being made up of four quarters of eight minutes and the use of bonus cards that can earn players three points.
Speaking to Tennis Majors earlier this week, Kyrgios described Fonseca as an ‘incredible player’ and praised his quick transition in the sport. Fonseca, who will turn 20 next month, has won two ATP events and been ranked as high as 24th so far in his career.
“Fonseca has the potential to win multiple Grand Slams,” said Kyrgios.
“I look at his level, what he’s been able to produce, how quick his transition has been – he’s definitely got that X-factor, the work ethic, the level. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re seeing him be a multiple Grand Slam champion.”
In the major events, Fonseca’s best performance was at this year’s French Open, where he defeated Novak Djokovic en route to the quarter-finals. Djokovic is the second top-10 player he has beaten at a Grand Slam after Andrey Rublev in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. More recently, at Wimbledon, Fonseca was beaten in the third round by Roman Safiullin.
“(The goal) this year is more about defending points. I’m not the type to get too caught up in that, and neither is my team,” Fonseca explained during an interview with ESPN Brazil.
“I’m more concerned with playing and doing what I need to do, focusing on my routine and what I need to improve. I know the results will come, but that’s the focus.
“Of course I have goals, but they’re personal—mine and my team’s. They’re about maturing, gaining experience, and continuing to evolve. That’s what matters most.” He added.
Whilst the future is bright for Fonseca, Kyrgios is keeping coy about his plans. The Australian returned to the Tour last month following a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning, he has won one out of three singles matches played.
“I’m feeling great. I’ve been playing the last couple of weeks – Majorca, Halle, Stuttgart – and Wimbledon was great too. Just happy to be back at these events, and every week I’m able to play now is a bonus,” he said.
“I take it a week at a time. After this I’m going to Washington, that’s all I know right now. Not too sure about much more than that, but we’ll see how we go.”
Besides Kyrgios and Fonseca, the other players competing in the UTS event in Rio are Guto Miguel, Francisco Cerúndolo, Cameron Norrie, Tallon Griekspoor, Brandon Nakashima and Corentin Moutet. The event has a total prize money of £1,237,000, with $400,000 going to the champion.
