Jim Courier says Joao Fonseca should target top 15 in 2026 and highlights areas to improve

“I think a good goal for him would be 15 in the rankings, that’s a big jump from 25 in the live rankings where he is today and he can improve on that if he has a good run in Paris for sure,” Courier said when speaking on the Tennis Channel.

“But I think 15, because he’s going to have better draws for sure as a top player, but he’s also got a target on his back. Things I want to see from him, I want to see his legs much stronger when he shows up in January. He needs to put on five pounds of muscle if he can this off-season in his legs so that he can play defence out of the corners because that’s a real weak spot still.”

Sinner needed time too. And just refining how often to unleash his power – sometimes less is more. There’s real upside here, but it needs shaping.”

Jim Courier praises Joao Fonseca for a decision he made recently

Fonseca’s rise through the rankings has been remarkable, starting the year outside the top 100 and now sitting inside the top 30 after his win in Basel.

Despite a few setbacks this season, Courier was particularly pleased with Fonseca’s choice to skip the Asian swing and focus on recovery instead.

“Well I think it’s been a season of highs and lows, and lots of learning,” said Courier. “You know, this is a guy who came in and was so impressive, I mean when you win in Argentina beating five Argentine’s to win your first title on the tour, you know you’ve got some moxie.”

“Then he had expectations after that, he had a real tough time, I think it was between Miami and the US Open he went 11-11 on tour…lots of tough lessons, but overall a really positive season.

With two tournaments left to play this season before the Australian Open next year, Fonseca will look to finish strong with Paris Masters his next challenge.

The Brazilian will face Denis Shapovalov again in their upcoming match at the Paris Masters.