“João is a special and incredible player. His power is absurd”, said the Spaniard
Friends, if there’s one thing that tennis owes us, it’s a good duel of generations. And it looks like it’s finally going to happen. This Tuesday (18), Carlos Alcaraz, the current number 1 in the world, appeared in a virtual press conference – one of those well-controlled, very well-produced ones, but even so, he let slip some pearls that show exactly how he sees our João Fonseca.
And I will say: the Spaniard is impressed.
It’s not every day that the leader of the ranking, owner of six Grand Slams and that wonderkid smile that never disappears, takes the time to unravel the virtues of a newcomer. But Alcaraz didn’t just talk – he praised with gusto.
“João is special” — and it wasn’t me who said it
When the subject was Fonseca, Alcaraz didn’t even blink: “João is a special and incredible player. His power is absurd. His serve, then… very, very good. His right is amazing.”
Bestial. Strong word, my friends. Coming from number 1, it’s almost a stamp.
But, of course, the Spaniard didn’t miss the chance to add an “experienced” touch:
“If I had to point out something, I’d say he needs to improve his mobility a little. But that’s coming. For me, he’s special. Finishing his first full year on the circuit in the Top-30… that’s something to keep an eye on.”
And look… everyone is staying.
Fonseca no “novo Big 3”?
The press conference was excited when they asked Alcaraz if he imagines a “Big 3 of the future” formed by himself, Sinner and Fonseca. And here, gentlemen, came the realistic side of the boy from Murcia: “Breaking the Top-25 in the first year is impressive. But reaching the Top-10, the Top-3… and maintaining that… is another story. Let’s see in the next two years if he breaks that barrier.”
Translation: Alcaraz sees potential, but wants to see consistency. And he’s right — in tennis, getting to the top is difficult, but staying there… is for few.
Miami, baseball and tennis on the same stage
The Miami Invitational, scheduled for December 8th, will put Fonseca and Alcaraz face to face for the first time – and on a very curious stage: the Miami Marlins stadium. If you found it strange, yes, me too. Tennis in a baseball stadium. Welcome to America.
And the program is one for those who like to see stars crossing paths:
• Amanda Anisimova vs. Jessica Pegula opening the night.
• Then, Alcaraz x Fonseca.
• And there are also mixed doubles: Alcaraz/Pegula x Fonseca/Anisimova.
It’s practically a “shared ATP/WTA universe”.
About the injury? Alcaraz guaranteed: “Zero concerns”
On the morning of the press conference, he had announced that he would not play in the Davis Cup because of swelling in his right thigh, and of course, that generated a lot of buzz.
But the Spaniard tried to downplay it: “I wouldn’t be 100% for Davis. But I’ll have enough time for the games in the USA. I’ll do exercises, treatment, exercises, treatment… two weeks like that. I’ll be ready.”
Translation: if the duel against Fonseca is attractive to the public, for Alcaraz it is a serious commitment.
And Fonseca? The Brazilian does not hide his admiration
On the other side, João Fonseca – always elegant, always humble – had already told the event that he sees Alcaraz as an inspiration:
“He really encourages you to stay motivated. He works hard, but always calmly, always smiling. It’s going to be a day of lots of learning.”
And it is this spirit, my friends, that is creating this global expectation about Brazilians.
In the end…
What we saw today was more than a press conference. It was the explicit recognition of a giant for a boy who is knocking on the door at the top.
December 8th will not just be an exhibition: it will be the first chapter of a rivalry that has everything to grow.
And you can write it down: if João Fonseca really emerges, we will remember this press conference as the day Alcaraz announced to the world that the boy was different.
