Overcoming by the world’s number five, British Jack Draper, João Fonseca ended his first participation as a professional in the Roland Garros tournament. Without the usual accuracy in the right -wing blows, usually his strong point, the Brazilian was defeated by 3 sets to 0, partial 6/2, 6/4 and 6/2, in 1h46 game.
With the result in France, the 18 -year revelation should approach the top 50 of the world ranking.
This time, on the French afternoon of Saturday (31), Fonseca did not have so much support from the fans. In the Suzanne-Lenglen court, the second largest in the Roland Garros (10,000 viewers) complex, tickets are more expensive (over $ 1,300) and purchased in advance. Therefore, there were much less Brazilians than in previous matches, disputed in courts with free access to those who bought the basic ticket (about $ 250).
In the first set, barely heard the already famous in the screaming circuit of “João Fonseca”. Draper dominated from the beginning, returning well the blows of the Brazilian, who began to accumulate errors. There were 11 on the right and four on the left in eight games. Fonseca won only 17% of the points when she had to withdraw twice.
The Brazilian made fewer unprecedented errors in the second set, but the Briton remained clear dominance of actions and got the break in the seventh game. When Draper was pulled to close on 6/4, the Brazilian increased the level and got two break points. But the rival was calm to close the set.
In the third set, Fonseca was broken in her first two withdrawal games. When he lost 4/1, he even resorted to the physical therapist, apparently feeling a nuisance on his right shoulder. In the return to the court, he could not resist and saw the opponent complete his excellent match in direct sets.
Throughout the match, the Brazilian had only two break points and did not convert any. Draper had 11 and enjoyed five.
“The first set was key,” said the British, for whom the heat in Paris helped his rapid ball style. He praised the Brazilian fans and the vibrant atmosphere: “That’s why I play tennis.”
A few minutes earlier, with the result sent, the audience had released their last shouts of “João Fonseca” in the 2025 edition of the France Open. A tribute to the excellent campaign of the Brazilian in Roland Garros, who only three players succeeded in the same age in this century: Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, Croatian Borna Coric and Australian Lleyton Hewitt.
