My Influences: How Jannik Sinner helped Joao Fonseca make this critical decision… | ATP Tour

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My Influences: How Sinner helped Fonseca make this critical decision…

Eighteen years old is about Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten

October 22, 2024

Brazil’s Joao Fonseca enjoyed a taste of the good time at the Nitto ATP Finals last year when he served as his hitting partner at the prestigious year-end event.

The 18-year-old trained with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in Turin, gaining valuable advice and experience. Today, Fonseca is in strong contention to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF thereafter. He enjoyed a stellar 2024 that included tour-level quarter finals in Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest.

As part of our Next Gen Influences series, Fonseca stopped by ATPTour.com to talk about his fascination with the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by the PIF champions and other inspirations in his life.

Which former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion did you enjoy watching the most when you were growing up?
There are many good players who have won the title and I can say that the one I like to watch the most, and I can see for myself is Soni. I really like his aggressive game. Technically, his aggressive style of playing is definitely my type.

In the mind he said to be calm. He is a shy person and I love how competitive he is. [He is] it doesn’t reveal much so this is more like me.

Do you remember your first meeting with Jannik?
It was at the Nitto ATP Finals last year. I was the hitting partner and we hit on the first or second date. He is a really nice guy.

From the beginning I was looking to go to university. I was dedicated [the University of] Virginia also said to me, ‘Are you going to university?’ He said, ‘You are very good at this, go [the] beauty’. So that was a good thing. I thought this guy is playing with me and playing a joke. It was my first time training with him and he was really good with his trainers.

Can you talk to me about Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten?
My first contact with Guga was at the Davis Cup earlier this year. He said great things about the whole team. [He shared] his experience, the way he handled his work after so many injuries. It’s really inspiring and you’re an idol. He is a very nice person and he said very good things.

Who have been some of the biggest influences in your life?
Of course, father, I would say that you are an idol to me. He helped me a lot in my work. I am really thankful for him and my mother. My father is my agent. You do all my things.

That’s really good, that my parents also worked with me, so it’s really nice to have those kind of parents with me. They help me. They are happy for me. So I don’t know about the specific story, but that’s something that both of my parents, who helped me through the journey, are sponsors.