Alcaraz and Sinner are an inspiration for me: I want to win Grand Slams

Carlos Navarro | 18 Sep 2024 | 12.22

Joao Fonseca, during the past Davis Cup qualifiers. Source: Getty

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Joao Fonseca caught the attention of the tennis world several months ago. In Rio de Janeiro, a global tennis star emerged with powerful shots, charisma, and a special connection with the carioca audience. The package seemed complete at first glance: a star for South American tennis in desperate need of idols, in a country longing for another great champion after Gustavo Kuerten, with a boldness and style capable of captivating fans in front of their TVs. In the midst of the boom of the Carlos Alcaraz - Jannik Sinner era, it's great news to see that there is a promising future following them...

But Joao, just 18 years old, is a young man who takes things slowly. He does not rush. He does not skip stages. He avoids the enticing offers from representation agencies or million-dollar contracts. Since that crazy week in his country, his 2024 has been primarily focused on the Challenger circuit, an ideal stepping stone to climb the ranks, to learn from the toughness of tennis, and to face the mid-tier players of the ATP circuit. After winning his first tournament of this category in the United States and gradually approaching the top 150, the Brazilian is aiming high: in a conversation with CLAY, he recounts how Spaniard and Italian players serve as his mirror and inspiration.

"I see the rivalry they have, and that's where I'd like to go. Sometimes I think I should aim for the top 100, top 50... no, I will look at them. I want to be like them. I want to win Grand Slams and other major tournaments. Alcaraz and Sinner are a motivation and inspiration for me to work harder and harder," confesses the Brazilian, who also mentions having a "very good relationship" with Carlos, including conversations with his team whenever they coincide in tournaments. "Carlos is an idol for future generations," Joao confidently points out.

- FEDERER AS AN IDOL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

Certain elements clearly speak to Fonseca's maturity. For instance, the Brazilian has turned down offers from various representation agencies, including IMG and Team8, with his parents still managing his career. "We have thought long and hard about the idea of having an agent, but right now, we are fine. My agents are my parents. We are living in the present calmly, thinking things through because this is a long-term career. These are important decisions, and we are waiting to take the right path," states Fonseca. Dealing with the pressure that arose in Brazil after his outstanding performance in Rio is also part of the process... but Joao embraces it with ease and naturalness, displaying tremendous maturity.

"I know there is a lot of pressure that comes with the expectations placed on me. They see me at tournaments, talk about me... the pressure I like is the one that my rivals may feel. They know I'm a new guy playing well: I'm only 18, and I understand that I'm in a process, I've spent my first months on the professional circuit, and I've learned a lot. I'm still a project, although I think a lot about the future."

A champion like him naturally draws inspiration from various sources. Fonseca's is very clear and named Roger Federer: there are already connections between them since the Brazilian was signed by ON, the sports brand in which Roger has a significant stake. Despite not having met in person yet, Joao does not hide his admiration for the Swiss player: "I haven't met him yet, although he sent me a video after winning the junior US Open, and he has already spoken with my father. Federer has been my idol since I was a kid. I have always enjoyed watching his matches, his classic and elegant style. I would like to know his stories, how he thought in crucial moments, how he felt about tennis when he was my age. He has a lot of talent, but many people say he wasn't very hardworking in his youth. I would like to hear that from him because it could teach me at this stage. If I had a conversation with him, I would try to make the most of it."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Alcaraz y Sinner son una inspiración para mí: quiero ganar Grand Slams"