João Fonseca: Brazil’s Rising Star Who Still Has It All to Prove

Fonseca’s game still carries the raw ingredients of a future champion. His forehand is a heavy, whipping weapon capable of dictating play. His athleticism enables him to cover the court with ease, and his aggressive mindset makes him a threat on faster surfaces. At his peak, he plays with the kind of fearlessness that reminds observers why he was and remains touted as a future top-10 player. But talent alone is not enough in a sport that demands weekly excellence, and this is where Fonseca’s progress has been uneven.

The difference between lifting a trophy and stringing together consistent results is often mental as much as physical. Fonseca has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to back it up week after week. Some of this is natural, he is only 19, after all, but the spotlight burns brighter on those who break through early.

The expectation, once you taste success, is that it should never stop. And right now, Fonseca is discovering the brutal reality of the ATP grind: every week brings seasoned opponents who will expose even the most minor cracks.

Despite a strong start at the 2025 US Open, Fonseca was dismantled by Tomas Machac in straight sets in the second round. He’s still yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam, but he has a long career ahead.

Comparisons to his peers only sharpen the narrative. While other Next Gen Finals alumni have built on their success—Carlos Alcaraz vaulted into Grand Slam champion status, Jannik Sinner into world No. #1, Fonseca has struggled to find that next gear. It is an unfair yardstick in many ways, but it reflects the impatience of a sport constantly searching for the next big thing.

For Brazil, the longing for a new standard-bearer makes Fonseca’s every match feel loaded with significance.

Kuerten, who lifted Roland Garros three times and became world No. #1, set a high bar. Fonseca has been viewed as the one capable of rekindling that pride, but the wait for consistency continues.

Still, it is far too early to dismiss him. At 19, he has already achieved more than most his age, with a major junior title, a Next Gen crown, and an ATP trophy to his name. These are not the hallmarks of a player destined to fade; they are reminders of what he is capable of. His challenge now is to mature, to add resilience to his game, and to learn the craft of winning ugly when the fireworks aren’t enough.