LONDON: Joao Fonseca has ‘good expectations’ heading into Wimbledon in what will be his first taste of playing in the main draw of the Grand Slam.
The 18-year-old lost in the first round of qualifying at The All England Club 12 months ago when he was ranked outside the top 200. Since then, Fonseca has rapidly risen up the standings to a career-best of 54th in the world and won his first ATP Title in Buenos Aires earlier this year. In January, he defeated Andrey Rublev to claim his first win over a top-10 player.
Now regarded as one of the best rising stars in men’s tennis, the Brazilian is embracing life on the Tour and its new surroundings. Particularly at Wimbledon which he describes as his ‘favourite Grand Slam.’
“This tournament is a dream. Everything you can see is perfect. Even the flowers. Every detail is just perfect. When you come here, you just see how amazing it is,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“Every kid that plays tennis and wants to be a professional wants to come here.
“Of course, Brazil has the history of Roland Garros and everything. Here (at Wimbledon) is just special.”
Fonseca entered Wimbledon having won one out of his last three matches on grass, which was against Zizou Bergs in Halle. His losses were to Flavio Cobolli (Halle) and Taylor Fritz (Eastbourne) who are both top 25 players.
“Expectations (for Wimbledon) are good. On grass, you don’t have very many weeks to get the experience. You need to adapt at the time that you have,” he said.
“I have good expectations. I’m playing good. I’m making some good practices. My mentality is good, my confidence. I’m just going to enjoy tennis and do my best to achieve good things.”
Awaiting Fonseca in the first round will be home player Jacob Fearnley who took a set off Novak Djokovic at the tournament last year. Just three places separates the two in the ATP standings with the Brit being ranked slightly higher.
“Hopefully there’s going to be some Brazilians looking up and cheering for me,” he joked.
“But for sure it’s going to be a good match. Jacob is a nice friend and a nice player. Even on Court 1, it’s just going to be a dream playing my first match at Wimbledon.
“Every week for me has been an experience. There’s a lot of first times for me. Yeah, I’m just going to enjoy it a lot.”
