Tennis player João Fonseca, 18, lived a dream in his first game at a Grand Slam, beating Russian Andrey Rublev, number 9 in the world. Now, the Brazilian continues in the tournament and will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the second round of the tournament. The game will be in the early hours of this Thursday (16/01), at 2 am (Brasília time).
Fonseca reached the main draw of the Grand Slam by passing the last preliminary stage of the tournament, beating Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante by 2 sets to 0, partial 6/4 and 6/1. In the second phase, he had beaten Chak Lam Coleman Wong, from Hong Kong, by 2 sets to 0, partial 6/0 and 6/3. Before, he beat Federico Agustin Gomez, from Argentina, by 2 sets to 0, partial 6/4 and 6/0.
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When is João Fonseca’s next game?
The game between João Fonseca and Lorenzo Sonego, from Italy, will be this Thursday (16/01), at 2 am (Brasília time).
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João Fonseca x Lorenzo Sonego: where to watch
The game between João Fonseca and Lorenzo Sonego, at the Australian Open, will be broadcast on ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).
Where to watch João Fonseca x Lorenzo Sonego on TV and streaming
- Date: Thursday, January 16
- Time: 2h (Brasília time)
- Where to watch: ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming)
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 the ambition of reaching 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
What is João Fonseca’s position in the ATP rankings?
Brazilian João Fonseca is, for now, number 112 in the ATP rankings. The tendency, however, is for the player to move up a series of positions due to the victory against Rublev.
Who is the best placed Brazilian tennis player in the ATP rankings?
The best placed Brazilian tennis player in the ATP rankings is Thiago Seyboth Wild. The player is in position 76. Behind him is Thiago Monteiro, number 97.
MORE: How much did João Fonseca win for the Next Gen Finals title?
Who is the best-ranked Brazilian tennis player in the WTA rankings?
The best placed Brazilian tennis player in the WTA rankings is Beatriz Haddad Maia. The player is in 17th place. She is the only Brazilian in the top 100. Next in the ranking is Laura Pigossi, at number 164.
