The mentality. This is the word that João Fonseca repeats most when trying to explain what has changed in him since the start of the season. In the early hours of Paris this Monday (1st), after defeating Norwegian Casper Ruud and securing a place in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, the 19-year-old from Rio was direct in the press interview: “The mentality has improved a lot. Focusing on the points and not on the end of the match. I think some things have changed.”
Evolution is not abstract. He has concrete examples. In the game against Djokovic, when he was 0-2 down in sets and defeat seemed certain, he went into what he describes as “automatic mode”. “I didn’t think about the end. I just went point by point, I thought about what I had to do with each ball. The aces I played at the end of the match against Djokovic were very thoughtless — I just went there, exploded on the ball and things happened.”
The game against Ruud, according to him, was different — safer, less dramatic. “I came in more aggressive, I went for the shots, I tried to command the points early. I’m happy to have got the better of the important moments.” Fonseca acknowledged that tonight’s match was calmer than the duel with Djokovic — not only because of the score, but because of the internal feeling. “Against Djokovic it was more mental. The conditions were much more difficult and I started out respecting it a lot. Today I came in with more confidence. The game was very chessy — I knew exactly what to do, it was just very difficult to execute.”
The strength that impressed those present — forehands that cross the court, heavy backhands, unexpected drop shots — has a simple origin, according to him. “Since I was little I’ve played like this, I’ve always gone for the shots. Sometimes the ball goes to the fence, sometimes I lose important points because of that. But I try to be confident and that drives me.”
Regarding the lost third set, when Ruud reacted and tied the match, Fonseca was honest. “Ali had a fall in the last game, but I managed to come back very well in the fourth. I’m happy because of that.”
Regarding his physical conditions —his first second week in a Grand Slam—, he did not hide his tiredness, but conveyed calm. “It’s different. Coming out of the locker room and being one of the last ones still in the tournament is crazy. But I’m fine, recovering well on my days off.” He acknowledged that the season was long —away from home since Monte Carlo—, but that the intense physical preparation at the end of last year is making a difference. “The pre-season in December was very difficult. In Australia I was without any rhythm, but a lot has changed since then.”
In the quarterfinals, the opponent will be the Czech Jakub Mensik, 27th in the world. The two have already faced each other at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals. “It was a very tough match. Mensik is a great server, he has a very good left on clay, he is very complete. It will be a tough match.” The strategy, for now, remains for later. “Today just enjoy the victory. Tomorrow I’ll focus on the next game.”
And about the moment he is experiencing —in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time, with Guga in the stands—, Fonseca summed it up with the simplicity of someone who is still processing everything. “Having Guga there, supporting and cheering, was incredible. Just live in the moment.”
