Teenage prodigy has put tennis world on notice

Fonseca first came into the limelight when he won the 2023 U.S. Open junior title and subsequently signed a deal with On, the Swiss sports manufacturer owned by his childhood idol Roger Federer. According to multiple insiders, Federer has since taken a key interest in Fonseca's development and backed his decision to turn pro in 2024.

Since turning pro, Fonseca has shown flashes of a future superstar, reaching the quarterfinals at the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro and the ATP 250 event in Bucharest. His most impressive showing came when he destroyed World No. 20 Arthur Fils 6-0, 6-4 in the first round of the Rio Open, his first victory over a top-ranked senior player.

All signs point to Fonseca carrying his momentum into the new year. The Brazilian plays a bit like Novak Djokovic or Sinner on defense but isn't averse to attacking the net like Federer or Alcaraz. Unlike some modern-day greats, he is blessed with a scorching service game, with the ability to serve at 140 mph already. 

Another factor working in Fonseca's favor is his height of 6-foot-1, which has been the prototype for most slam winners in recent years. History has proven that players over 6-foot-3 have struggled with lower body injuries or crosscourt movements while matching against baseline attackers. To that end, Fonseca's build fits the prototype of a player who can dominate on the court and avoid devastating injuries. 

He also boasts of a forehand that could eventually give his senior peers sleepless nights. 

After his ATP Next Gen win, Fonseca confirmed that he will try to qualify for the 2025 Australian Open. The 145th-ranked teenager will have to win three qualifying matches starting on Jan. 6. 

He previously came close to qualifying for Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2024 but lost in the final rounds.