Fonseca does self-criticism of his defeat: "I didn't play badly, the difference was in.."

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The journey of Joao Fonseca at the Miami Open 2025 came to an end in the third round of the draw, but not just in any way. The Brazilian made his defeat costly, forcing Alex De Minaur to come back in three sets in a match that engaged the crowd during the night session. The public was also a key player in Fonseca's post-match press conference, where he expressed feeling at home, delighted to be competing toe-to-toe with the best for another week. These were his thoughts before boarding a plane and heading to Europe.

Showdown with De Minaur

“Alex is a very experienced guy, he has been on the circuit for a long time, knows how to play in these circumstances, with the crowd against him. I had my chances in crucial moments, the opportunity to close the door on him, but he capitalized better on his. I served at 2-1 in the third set, could've sealed it, but emotions got the better of me. He broke me and started playing better, not giving away any free points from then on, making it very tough to play. I knew it was going to be a tough match; he is a top-10 player who runs for every ball. He's a great fighter, you need three or four shots to win a point against him. I'm happy with how I played this week but, unfortunately, I'm out”.

What would you change about the match?

“At 4-4 in the second set, I had several break opportunities, I remember missing one with a slice. I had a good return, but the ball was low, maybe I could've hit it like I usually do, but I was too passive. Those are the moments when the opportunity arises, but I couldn't seize it. Sometimes you get a bit frustrated, but it happens all the time, that's tennis, there will always be moments like this. I don't think I played poorly today; the difference was in mentality”.

Connection with the crowd in the final games

“Physically, I was feeling very good, just wanted to entertain, knowing these would probably be my last minutes at this Miami Open, so I was savoring them. With 30-15 in his favor, the crowd was chanting my name, still fighting, so I made a great point to make it 30-30. I then encouraged them again to try for a break, it was very exciting. I was simply enjoying the moment, looking at my coach, laughing, those moments are great. I know it's my job, but it's a job I love; sometimes, you need to enjoy”.

In love with Miami

“The impression I had here was like playing in Brazil, really. We're not just talking about the crowd; the organization treated me as if I were in Brazil, so it has been a great experience, I really like this tournament. Probably now it's one of my favorite tournaments. I knew the stands would be full, but I didn't know what it would be like to experience it from within, so it has been enormous. It's super nice to be here”.

On the right path

“Once again, I faced the top players, which helps me gauge my level. I truly see that I'm on the right path, playing several matches against the best, that's where I want to be. I'm leaving happy with how I played those matches, both against Ugo (Humbert) and against Learner (Tien), the upcoming American prospect. Today against Alex, I played a good match; it was a matter of details, I had my chances. It's my second year on the circuit, so new experiences keep coming”.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca hace autocrítica de su derrota: “No jugué mal, la diferencia estuvo en...”