Thomaz Bellucci, currently a 37-year-old former athlete, is the Brazilian who has achieved the second best position in the history of the men’s tennis ranking to date — behind only Gustavo Kuerten, leader for 43 weeks from 2000 to 2001. The São Paulo native reached 21st position in 2010 and is close to being surpassed by João Fonseca, who, at 19 years old, finished the 2025 season in the 24th.
For Bellucci, ranking aside, the Rio native is already on a shelf above his own. He bets that the boy will be able to compete against the big names on the ATP (Professional Tennis Players Association) circuit in 2026.
“He already has the technical level for that, I have no doubt. I don’t see him being any further short of facing a [Carlos] Alcaraz, a [Jannik] Sinner or himself [Novak] Djokovic”, said the former tennis player to Sheet.
“Of course, these players are still a level above, but little by little this difference is decreasing. Next year will be a year of consolidation. I don’t see why he won’t be able to face and even beat these top players”, he said.
In December, Fonseca gave a brief taste of what could be to come. During an exhibition event in Miami, he made it difficult for Spanish Alcaraz. The number one in the world won by 2 sets to 1, but needed a ten-point super tie-break, the format defined for the confrontation — the Rio native even went 5-0 up before suffering defeat. The two will face each other again in December 2026, at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo.
For Bellucci, although in an exhibition scenario, very different from that seen in competitions, it was the young man’s “baptism of fire”. “It was the first full season he played in the biggest tournaments in the world, it’s not easy. He’s a boy who is way above normal, he’s already been through the worst.”
The rapid rise, from 112th place at the beginning of the year to the top 25, is seen as a feat of rare understanding of the professional environment. “Little by little, the other players will understand how to play against him. This will come along with technical, mental and physical maturity.”
This climb fulfilled a precise prophecy from Italian Sinner, number two in the world, winner of the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Tournament this year, as well as the ATP Finals, a tournament that brings together the top eight in the world. Still in January, he pointed out that João would end the year among the 25 best.
“His game has evolved as a whole. He is a complete player, he doesn’t have many holes. He has time on his side to find the correct way to use his tools”, analyzed Bellucci, who also highlighted: the offensive essence must be untouchable.
“It’s the speed with which he can hit the ball that sets him apart. He has an arsenal of shots that few have on the circuit nowadays.”
Regarding the psychological aspect, the assessment is more careful. Bellucci has already spoken openly about the depression he faced in the final stretch of his career. According to him, the period lasted around five years, reaching its peak in 2020.
The crucial point for longevity, according to the former tennis player, lies in mental health: “Today is a watershed. Many athletes succumb because they no longer have the structure to withstand the routine, demands and fears.”
“Mentally, which is perhaps the most difficult thing, he is already a practically ready player. He has incredible maturity for a 19-year-old boy,” he noted.
Bellucci warned about managing expectations, remembering his own trajectory, with the weight of being Guga’s successor. “I was also 21st in the youth world, but the demand was more incisive. Today we experience a lack of idols, and João came to make up for it.”
“The fans want him to be number ten or five yesterday. These drops and fluctuations are normal. The younger the player, the more present this is”, added the former player, remembering the work of the athlete’s surroundings. “It is necessary to protect João so that he is not affected by people’s expectations and unfounded criticism.”
For Bellucci, emotional support will allow Fonseca to find pleasure in the circuit’s routine and naturally achieve greater things: “It’s not just about playing well, it’s about finding the joy of competing in the biggest tournaments in the world.”
João Fonseca decided to end the official 2025 competition calendar early to treat low back pain. He chose not to defend the ATP Next Gen Finals title —a competition he won at the end of 2024, which brings together the best young people on the circuit—, already aiming for 2026, when he will have the obligation to play at least 13 major tournaments, including four Grand Slams and eight of the nine Masters 1000 on the calendar.
