Fonseca reigns at the 'Bombonera'

Óscar Belloch | 16 Feb 2025 | 21.57

João Fonseca at the ATP Buenos Aires 2025. Photo: Getty.

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Argentina versus Brazil in the World Cup. That's how the Tennis TV commentators started the broadcast of the final of the ATP Buenos Aires 2025. Joao Fonseca was facing Francisco Cerúndolo in an atmosphere completely hostile to him, with the crowd fully behind their local hero. While Joao enjoyed the fans' support in the semifinals against Laslo Djere, they didn't forgive him in the final, trying to be a decisive factor for Cerúndolo to win. In the end, Joao prevailed 6-4 7-6, proving once again that the Brazilian could stay at the top of the world rankings for many years.

Joao Fonseca is a unique talent with a playing style based on power and versatility reminiscent of the best players who have ever held a racket. His serve, volleys, both his forehand and backhand possess unstoppable power, and he knows how to play in all situations. He still has much to learn and improve in his game, such as maintaining concentration when his adrenaline is high, but at just 18 and a half years old, he already has his first title with the ATP Buenos Aires 2025.

- Intense pressure and nerves

Both players were very nervous on the court and experienced a service break in their first serving turn. The pressure was palpable, and they needed to warm up to start seeing good tennis, which didn't take long to appear, especially from Fonseca's side, with the power and winners he is known for. The rivalry between Argentina and Brazil was evident in the atmosphere, as the fans roared every time Fran scored a point and even tried to unsettle the Brazilian with some whistles and boos amidst the few cheers in his favor.

Joao felt it was his moment, but he needed to ease the tensions, and almost every time he won an important point, he looked at his team and gestured positively to gain confidence. This way, he broke serve at 3-3, which was enough to secure a 6-4 lead going into the second set.

- Clean and determined

In the second set, we saw a more solid and clean game, with nerves more relaxed and both showing power in their shots. 'Cerun' and Fonseca were both determined to seize their title opportunities. At 2-2, Fran made a couple of errors leading to a break, and even though he fought back to 0-30 in the following game showing his fighting spirit, Joao displayed his champion DNA and crafted points in various ways, showcasing his versatility. The crowd kept pushing until the last moment, and Argentina still believed in a miracle. Two unforced errors put the score at 0-30 down again at 5-4, and the audience got fully engaged, prompting the chair umpire Nacho Forcadell to restore order. The Brazilian returned to his winning ways and almost made a comeback in the game, but the nerves were too present, and Cerúndolo knew how to take advantage.

- Rollercoaster of emotions

The fans were fired up, and the atmosphere was heated, almost leading to a conflict in the stands among supporters of both players. "Please, enjoy the match!" pointed out Forcadell. Nevertheless, the tension eased for the home crowd when Fonseca broke serve again at 15-40 to serve for the title at 6-5. Once more, nerves took over him, and the fans pushed to the maximum, forcing Joao to seal the victory in a tiebreak where he overwhelmed Cerúndolo with his winners 7-1. Thus, Joao Fonseca lifted his first (of many?) ATP crown at the age of 18.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca reina en la "Bombonera"

Joao Fonseca