Joao Fonseca wants to continue consolidating himself on the professional circuit and prove that he is one of the players destined to make a mark in an era. The young Brazilian, who lifted his first title at the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires, was playing for the first time at Indian Wells, thanks to the wildcard granted by the tournament, and had to give his all to defeat Jacob Fearnley on a central court, where the wind was the main protagonist. But the Brazilian adapted to the circumstances and came back from a 3-1 deficit in the third set to clinch the victory (6-2, 1-6, 6-3) reaffirming himself once again as a generational talent capable of going far.
First Time at Indian Wells
"First round of a Masters, windy conditions, playing against a great guy. The conditions were tough, but I made it, so I'm very happy with how I fought today."
Away from External Noise
"My team and I always focus on a routine of what we need to do to achieve our goals. I'm someone who likes to be with the team, with family, not focusing on what the media say. So I focus on my routine. Sometimes you see people talking about something, so yes, you have to focus on what you need to do."
His Dream of Becoming Number One
"I think every professional player, or one in the junior ranks, wants to become top 10 or play against their idol. But my dream is to become number one, I've said it several times, and I'm working to achieve it. I've worked very hard to get there."
Grateful for All the Support He Is Receiving
"Everything is new to me. I'm still young and getting used to it. But seeing people, not just Brazilians, but people from all over the world, cheering me on, calling me by my name, wanting autographs, kids. Two years ago, I was the one asking for autographs. I mean, it's very nice to see those kids and people keeping an eye on me."
The Reason He Went to Train After His Victory
"Today the conditions were very tough, lots of wind. So I didn't feel the ball much because it was hard to play. It was just a bit of recovery since I found out I play on Saturday. I did some drills to feel a bit better for tomorrow."
His Experience as a Player in a Major Tournament
"Everything is new. It's my first time here. My second year as a professional. I'm entering the best tournaments. I just met Novak and Carlos. So seeing these guys is good. Everything is great. Sometimes I feel some pressure, but it's normal, and I have to be prepared for it. I just have to focus on what I need to do, win matches, and concentrate with my team on the routines."
Regarding the Moment He Spoke with Alcaraz and Djokovic
"I met Carlos before my match, and I asked him how he was. With Novak, I was leaving the court where I practiced after my match, and then he came in. He asked if I had won. I told him I had won. He congratulated me. It was great that he talked to me."
Feelings After Winning a Windy Match
"I played very well in the first set. I was very solid, and the wind was bothering him. Then in the second set, he was more aggressive at the beginning of points, returns, and serves. I didn't feel my game, and he played well. He was also solid. In the third set, he got a break early. And, yes, in the third set, you are always nervous, we're both nervous. There were some games where I kept in the points, and sometimes I made a small mistake. Then it was more mental. I think he was playing worse than me most of the time. But when it's very windy, a small mistake can make you lose the match."
His Strengths and Love for Tennis
"I would say I like my forehand and my mental side; I think it's quite good for my age. What I like about this sport is that tennis gives you many opportunities. If you lose a point, there will be another one, and you can lose again. You can even play worse than the other, but still, you can win. So it's a technical, physical, and mental game. I think it's very good. I've loved this sport since I was eight," affirms Fonseca, who wants to aim for more despite being only 18 years old.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca: "Todo es nuevo para mí, aún soy joven y estoy acostumbrándome a esto"

