In search of an unprecedented title for Brazilian tennis, João Fonseca is competing in the final of the ATP Finals Next Gen against the American Learner Tien.
João Fonseca is 18 years old and is ranked 145th in the ATP rankings. Learner Tien is 19 years old and is 122nd in the ranking.
The ATP Finals Next Gen brings together the eight best tennis players under the age of 21 this season. The competition takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
O Sporting News Tell us more about João Fonseca.
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Who is João Fonseca?
João Fonseca, born on August 21, 2006, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), is a promising Brazilian tennis player who has stood out on the international scene. His career gained notoriety in 2023, when he won the junior singles title at the US Open, becoming the first Brazilian to achieve this feat.
In December 2023, Fonseca made history when he was elected by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as the first Brazilian youth world champion, ending the season as number 1 in the junior rankings.
In early 2024, at the age of 17, Fonseca reached the semifinals of the Buenos Aires Challenger, demonstrating his potential in professional tournaments. In February, he participated in the Rio Open, where, after receiving a wildcard, he achieved his first victory at ATP level by defeating seventh seed Arthur Fils in straight sets. With this victory, he became the first player born in 2006 to win a match on the ATP Tour. He then overcame Cristian Garin, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament.
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In March 2024, Fonseca reached his first Challenger final in Paraguay, consolidating his position among professionals. In April, he received a wildcard for the Masters 1000 in Madrid, where he beat American Alex Michelsen, recording his first victory at that level of competition.
In August 2024, he won his first Challenger title in Lexington, United States, at the age of 17, becoming the youngest Challenger champion of the season. This victory propelled him into the top 175 of the world rankings.
At the end of November 2024, Fonseca qualified for the Next Generation ATP Finals, an event that brings together the best young tennis players in the world, demonstrating his rapid rise on the professional circuit.
João Fonseca is seen as a great promise in Brazilian tennis, with ambitions to reach the top of the world rankings, inspired by idols such as Gustavo Kuerten, known as Guga.
João Fonseca x Learner Tien: where to watch
João Fonseca x Learner Tien is broadcast on ESPN 2 (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).
- Date: December 22nd, Sunday
- Game starts at 2pm (Brasília time)
- Where to watch: ESPN 2 (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming)
João Fonseca’s campaign at the ATP Finals Next Gen
- 18/12 – João Fonseca 3 x 2 Arthur Fils (France) – group stage
- 19/12 – João Fonseca 3 x 1 Learner Tien (United States) – group stage
- 20/12 – João Fonseca 3 x 2 Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic) – group stage
- 12/21 – João Fonseca 3 x 0 Luca Van Assche (France) – semi-final
