Fonseca: "I am getting more used to that type of tournaments and stadiums"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 24 Apr 2025 | 23.15

Fonseca: "I am getting more and more used to those types of tournaments and stadiums." Photo: Getty Images

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Joao Fonseca returned, bringing with him a wave of Brazilians ready to shout his name after every point. It happened in Melbourne, it happened in Miami, and now it occurred at the Mutua Madrid Open. As joy fills the stands, on Manolo Santana Court, the young 'carioca' emerges with his aggressive and forceful game to defeat Elmer Moller by 6-2, 6-4 and set up a match with Tommy Paul in the third round. Following his impressive debut in Madrid, the current world number 63 attended the press conference, where he confessed to feeling increasingly familiar with major tournaments and stressed the importance of the drop shot on clay.

Feelings after his victory over Moller

"First time at Manolo Santana Stadium, and I felt really good. I started a bit more nervous than usual. It was the first round, I knew the guy I was facing was playing well this week, he had just won a Challenger, made it through the qualifications, and performed quite well. I knew it would be a tough match, but I'm happy with how I fought today."

More adapted to the circuit

"I'm getting more accustomed to these types of tournaments and stadiums. I mentioned in the previous interview that today I had a bit more experience than the other guy. It's hard to say because I was younger than him, but I already knew what it was like to play in large stadiums, and I think it was his first time and he was a bit more nervous. But, yes, I feel a bit more like, more of a routine, feeling more adjusted on these courts, so, yes, I think that's it."

The drop shot, a key shot on clay

"I work a lot on it when I play on clay. Sometimes it's difficult to execute, unlike on hard courts, but on clay, it's a very effective shot. Because people tend to stay more defensively, more about five meters behind the baseline. I like to go for winners, so sometimes I move a lot with my forehand, and then the guys are more like five meters from the baseline. And then sometimes, I don't know, they think I'm going for the winner, and sometimes the drop shot is very effective, but it has to be done at the right moment."

Tommy Paul, next opponent

"I know he likes to play on clay. I know it's going to be a tough match. I practiced with him once, it was here in Madrid last year. Yes, I'm excited for the match, I know it will be challenging. Tomorrow I'll prepare, think about the match, focus on training, discuss the strategy with my team, and go all out on Saturday," Fonseca said, feeling more comfortable on the big stages with each passing day.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca: "Cada vez estoy más acostumbrado a ese tipo de torneos y estadios"