Journey to Jeddah: Joao Fonseca ‘rapidly growing’ in his career | ATP Tour

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Trip to Jeddah: Fonseca is ‘rising fast’ in his career

The Brazilian will compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF

November 30, 2024

As Joao Fonseca runs on the treadmill, he receives instructions from his trainer Guilherme Teixeira. But the guidance given had nothing to do with physical fitness or even front and back hands.

“Concentrate on reading books. Let’s try to finish this book on Sunday. Make it a goal to do that because it will take you away from other things,” Teixeira said in Portuguese, as featured in our new ‘Jeddah Journey’ video series, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Fonseca and his team.

One of the most exciting new stars in tennis, the Brazilian is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of success. The 18-year-old is brimming with energy and poise beyond his years.

“I think I’ve grown a lot and it’s because of this game,” said Fonseca. “Sure, I’m growing up fast.”

As he ‘grows up’ quickly, the Brazilian is rising steadily in the PIF ATP Rankings, where he is currently the youngest player in the Top 150, which is amazing for a player who started the season at World No. 730.

Fonseca’s meteoric rise began with a dream quarter-final run in February at his home tournament, the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro. In his second tour-level match, Fonseca cruised past #NextGenATP superstar Arthur Fils 6-0, 6-4. The game captured everything fans love about Fonseca, from his bold shooting to his contagious energy.

“He’s got that childlike brilliance,” says commentator Blair Henley. “He might take pictures where you think, ‘Hmm, that’s probably not a shot I’d choose to take – maybe not a safe shot, but that’s what makes him so happy to watch’.”

Scared of a lightbulb moment in 2023, which Fonseca discusses in the full video above, the youngster aims to be among the top eight players aged 20 and under in the sport next month at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by the PIF. The former junior No. 1 – who won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Lexington, Kentucky in August – is currently seventh in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah with the closing date, 2 December, fast approaching.

“One of the goals this year was to play in the Next Gen ATP Finals. I will prepare myself and I hope I will be able to,” said Fonseca. “Playing with eight of the best players under the age of 20, it’s a dream to play with those guys in this tournament.”

Fonseca’s journey this season has been one of success and growth, but he sees it as just the beginning.

“My coach means a lot to me, ‘With talent and hard work, the sky is the limit,'” said Fonseca.