Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca is playing beyond his years. At 18 years of age, he has the cool, calm and collected comptitive character of which many can only dream.
On Wednesday, the reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion defeated Jenson Brooksby to become the youngest man since Bernard Tomic in 2011 to advance to the final 32 at Wimbledon.
“It's a great achievement. I'm very proud of myself, [and] the way that I played today also,” Fonseca said. “To play this amazing tournament [and be] in the third round is just amazing.
“I'm developing on this surface, I'm evolving. So [I’m] happy with [how I’m doing].”
Fonseca’s three Grand Slam main-draw campaigns have each been historic.
Thrown into the deep end at Australian Open 2025, the youngster stunned world No.9 Andrey Rublev to become the second male teenager to defeat a top-10 player on Grand Slam debut.
Fonseca validated rising star status at Roland Garros, reaching the third round on his favourite surface.
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When he prevailed against No.30 seed Hubert Hurkacz, he became the youngest Brazilian in 62 years to win a match at the claycourt major.
At the All England Club, Fonseca opened his campaign with a win over Brit Jacob Fearnley to set up a clash with Brooksby, last week's Eastbourne finalist who'd outplayed Mallorca champion Tallon Griekspoor.
Brooksby threatened to extend their match further when Fonseca served for it at 5-4 in the fourth set. But from 0-40 down, the Brazilian’s composure shone through, and he served out the match to continue his Wimbledon run.
“I think my biggest improvement [in the last 12 months] is probably my mentality," he said.
"The mentality of playing pro is very different. It’s important for you to believe and to stay positive when things get more tight and you go for the opportunity.
“Obviously, I was nervous, but I knew to stay with a good posture and positive that I could go point by point with my serve.”
Fonseca’s tranquillity at big tournaments is a reason why he has risen to world No.46 in the live ATP rankings. Around this time last year, he was ranked 216th upon entering Wimbledon 2024 qualifying.
It is a ranking spike that still catches the 18-year-old by surprise.
“I was 150 in the world [six months ago] and now I'm [inside the top] 50. I'm very proud of myself. I still need to think what is going on,” he said.
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“A lot has changed, people are knowing me more, putting more expectations. At the same time, I'm loving being on the tour, playing new tournaments, the big tournaments, playing against very good players, and evolving.
"That's the most important [thing], evolve as a person, as an athlete.”
Fonseca has been no stranger to big crowds. Following his win in the final round of AO 2025 qualifying, Brazilian fans swarmed him outside of Court 7, rushing to receive his autograph.
At Roland Garros, Fonseca fanatics secured an excellent vantage point at Court Philippe Chatrier, looking down on Court 7 to catch his first-round match against Hurkacz.
On Friday, there will be a South American takeover at the All England Club when Fonseca faces Chilean Nicolas Jarry.
He expects two vibrant and patriotic fan bases to create an amazing atmosphere.
“I know Chile fans, they're loud also. The Brazilians are loud," Fonseca said.
"It's going to be nice.”