João Fonseca debuts at the Australian Open against Andrey Rublev, current number nine in the world. But who is the tennis player, the Brazilian jewel’s first challenge, in the Grand Slam?
O Sporting News explains.
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Who is Andrey Rublev?
Andrey Rublev was born on October 20, 1997, in Moscow, Russia, and from an early age showed talent in the sport, standing out as one of the promises of world tennis. His father, Andrey Rublev Sr., is a former professional boxer and businessman, while his mother, Marina Marenko, is a highly respected tennis coach.
In the youth category, Rublev won the singles title at Roland Garros in 2014, one of the most prestigious tournaments in this category, and reached the number 1 position in the world in the ITF youth rankings.
He began his professional career in 2017. His main career title is the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, in 2023, played on clay. In the same season, he defeated the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, top-3 in the ranking, at the Masters 1000 in Madrid.
When it comes to Grand Slams, his best campaign was the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, last season. Currently, Rublev is number nine in the ATP rankings.
Andrey Rublev Titles
- Umag ATP: 2017
- Kremlin Cup: 2019
- Qatar Open: 2020
- Adelaide Tournament: 2020
- Hamburg Open: 2020
- ATP Saint Petersburg: 2020
- Vienna ATP: 2020
- ATP Rotterdam: 2021
- Open 13: 2022
- Dubai Tournament: 2022
- Belgrade Tournament: 2022
- Gijón Open: 2022
- Monte Carlo: 2023
- Bastad Tournament: 2023
- Hong Kong Open: 2024
- Madrid Open: 2024
João Fonseca x Andrey Rublev: where to watch
- Date: Sunday (12/01) or Monday (13/01)
- Opening hours: time to be confirmed
- Where to watch: ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming)
Brazilian games at the Australian Open
- 11/01 – 21h – Thiago Monteiro (BRA) x Kei Nishikori (JAP)
- Date and time to be confirmed – João Fonseca (BRA) x Andrey Rublev (RUS)
- Date and time to be confirmed – Thiago Wild (BRA) x Fabian Maroszan (HUN)
- Date and time to be confirmed – Bia Haddad Maia (BRA) x Julia Riera (ARG)
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 was the first Brazilian youth world champion, having ended 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 in the world rankings.
At the end of November 2024, Fonseca qualified for the Next Generation ATP Finals, demonstrating his rapid rise in the professional circuit, becoming tournament champion.
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.
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Main titles of João Fonseca’s career
- 2023: US Open Youth Singles Champion
- 2024: Lexington Challenger Champion (Youngest to win a tournament of this level in the season.)
- 2024: Next Gen ATP Finals Champion
