Former P already like Gustavo Kuerten, the first Latin American tennis player to be considered number 1 in the world in the ranking of the ATP (Association of Professional Tennismen) in 2000, claims to have had a “sensational” physiotherapy session last Monday (17 ), the day following the title of Brazilian João Fonseca in the ATP of Buenos Aires.
“Monday looks like I was ready to go back to the courts,” says Guga. “It was excited”.
The largest tennis player in the country’s history sees João Fonseca, 18, with the potential to be among the best in the world in a short time.
In two years, Fonseca was champion of the US Open Youth (2023), ATP Next Generation champion, for athletes up to 20 years old (2024), reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Open River, played in Australia Open in 2025 and won won ATP in Argentina.
Two days after the title in Argentina, he was eliminated in the first round of the Open River after 2 sets to French for Frenchman Alexandre Muller last Tuesday (18).
“The potential that João presents in the courts we have seen two years ago, and is the result of an elaborate work. Goes beyond the boy who hits the ball and begins to hit everything. It’s 12 years of work, sweat, dedication,” he said Guga at an event in Leblon, south of Rio, two days from the final of the Open River, which takes place next Sunday (23).
Guga, however, understands that caution is needed with the young man. “The path is set up to be number one in the world, but there are traps and he will have to go through it.”
The former tennis player, who has won 20 titles throughout his career, including a three-time championship of Roland Garros (1997, 200 and 2001), sees similarities from his game at the time with the style of Fonseca.
“Unless like me, but the hair will be hard to match,” jokes Guga, who usually talks to Fonseca coach Guilherme Teixeira, responsible for six years for the young promise training.
“João has a fluid, aggressive sneakers, takes initiative. Very proposed game that is in the essence of our game as well. It is natural for the Brazilian tennis player this type of initiative and proposal of more cheerful, loose game, taking risk and being creative. “
Fonseca will play Miami Open in March in the United States and also received an invitation to participate in the Indian Wells tournament.
The Open River continues this Friday (21) without Brazilians – the reminiscent of Monteiro, the remnant, was eliminated in the round of 16. The main attraction of the quarterfinals is the duel between the German Alexander Zverev, number two in the world, and the Argentine Francisco Comesana, 86 °.
