Brazilian tennis phenomenon, João Fonseca, just 18 years old, played his first match in the main draw of a Grand Slam this Tuesday (14/01). With a gala performance, he beat the Russian Andrey Rublev, number 9 in the world, by 3 sets to 0. After the triumph, a photo of João Fonseca as a child next to Gustavo Kuerten, known as Guga, went viral.
JOÃO FONSECA AND GUGA! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Dil R. (@DilRig)
On social media, many wondered about the connection between João Fonseca and Guga. THE Sporting News account.
Is João Fonseca from Guga’s family?
João Fonseca and Guga are not family. The bond between them is that of fan and idol. João’s father is Christiano Fonseca Filho, a financial market professional and co-founding partner of IP Capital. His mother is Roberta Fonseca, who has organized sporting events.
Christiano and Roberta take care of managing their son’s career, with a constant presence at tournaments.
João was born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), on August 21, 2006.
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What did João Fonseca say about Guga?
After the victory against Andrey Rublev, João Fonseca held a press conference and was asked what his role model is for playing. He pointed to Swiss Roger Federer and Guga as inspirations:
– Who did I try to model my game after? I grew up watching Roger (Federer). I think everyone wanted to play like him. I even tried, when I was younger, the backhand of one hand. I tried for a week, but I have something in my elbow and forgot about it. Then, I decided to play with two hands again (laughs). And Guga, of course. He is not only my idol as an athlete, but as a person. He is such a nice person.
Guga, currently 48 years old, stopped playing professionally in May 2008, when João Fonseca had not yet turned two years old.
Roger Federer, now 43 years old, played professionally until September 2022.
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Who is João Fonseca?
João Fonseca 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, becoming undefeated champion of the tournament, equaling the feat of tennis greats such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
On January 4, 2025, João Fonseca was champion of the Challenger in Canberra, Australia, beating the American Ethan Quinn in the final by 2 sets to 0.
Now, at the Australian Open, João continues to make history. He won three matches and made it through qualifying. Afterwards, he managed to overcome Russian Andrey Rublev, number 9 in the world.
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
- 2025: Canberra Challenger 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.
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.
Who is João Fonseca’s next opponent at the Australian Open?
In the second round of the Australian Open, João Fonseca will face the Italian Lorenzo Sonego, number 55 in the world in the ATP rankings.
The game does not yet have a confirmed date and time. The tendency is for the match to be this Thursday (16/01).
