'I believe in him': Andre Agassi praises 18-year-old who is part of Team World at Laver Cup

Former world number one Andre Agassi has praised Brazil’s Joao Fonseca. The 18-year-old is already regarded as the one for the future and has produced some impressive performances in the recent past. This year, Fonseca won his maiden ATP 250 title in Argentina, where he defeated Francisco Cerundolo in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-6.

His most recent appearance was in the ongoing Madrid Open, where he was knocked out after losing in the round of 128 to Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6. Former world number one Agassi, who will be working with the youngster in the upcoming Laver Cup, has spoken to The Tennis Channel, praising the Rio de Janeiro-born.

The 55-year-old, who won eight Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, will captain Team World in this year’s Laver Cup. Agassi stated that Fonseca had gathered his attention about eight months ago and was of the opinion that the youngster seemed to be more mature than his actual age. Las Vegas-born further stated that Fonseca’s ability to generate pace on ‘both wings’ makes him a special talent, which surprises his opponent on any given day. Agassi concluded the conversation by stating that he ‘believes’ in Fonseca and he wants him to know that.

“He is got my attention eight months ago,” said Agassi. “I watched him play. Its crazy. Easy power he has on both wings. The movement, athleticism. He is a bigger guy than you think. A bit like Sinner, you know. I saw Sinner was like 6’2 but when I finally get the chance to meet him, I am like no, no, no, you got to change that. You are 6’3 plus. Same with Fonseca. He just generates with the same swing and injects pace into it. Its like when Alcaraz does it, you can see the pace getting injected but when Fonseca does it, its like you don’t even know when its coming. Its like he is throwing a jab but it’s a straight right. Its like pretty crazy when you watching him. He was the coaches’ pick. I am the kind of guy that I don’t need to wait to know to what I see. I believe in where he is headed. I hope that he is equipped to handle the weight on his shoulder, the pressure that goes along with that expectation but every sign he is showing him is that he is a true professional and he is older than his years so I believe in him and I want him to know that now and I want to be there in person watching him against anybody.”