Novak Djokovic offers candid verdict on Joao Fonseca’s potential

Speaking to ESPN Brasil ahead of his first-round Australian Open win over Pedro Martinez, Djokovic was full of praise for the 19-year-old Fonseca, who has become a rising star in Brazilian tennis.

“Honestly, I see him only improving. I think that’s what’s expected of him and I think that’s his intention, his team’s intention.

“The way they work, the way they are focused and dedicated – I think they’re on the right path. Hopefully he can stay healthy and injury-free. I see he’s been struggling a little bit with that injury so hopefully he can be fit to also play in Australia well.”

Djokovic added: “Last year he had an incredible win against Rublev so you know he’s that kind of player that can really beat anybody on a given day and that’s what is exciting about him.

“You know, he won a big title in Switzerland, in Basel, also a few months ago. So I’m following his career, and he’s somebody to look for and to see how he can progress and evolve.

“He is still very young; the whole of Brazil is behind him supporting him so I wish him all the best.”

Joao Fonseca’s fitness worries ahead of the Australian Open

Djokovic referenced it earlier, but there have been some concerns about the young star’s fitness heading into the tournament.

Fonseca addressed those questions in the lead-up to Melbourne, saying he would put his long-term health first if it came down to it.

He said: “Every day I’m feeling better. Hopefully I can be near 100% [when the tournament starts on Sunday].

“I need to respect my body and take the right decision because I have a long career ahead of me. I want to play [for] 15 more years.”

In that context, the Brazilian rising star lost 3-1 to Eliot Spizzirri in the opening round, marking an early exit despite facing an opponent ranked over 50 places below him in the ATP standings.