Fonseca: "I am not a fan of comparisons; I plan to make my own story"
The Brazilian, who will not debut in Australia until next Tuesday, talks about his recent experiences and shows his ambition to aim for the maximum.
We are looking forward to seeing Joao Fonseca in action, although his chronic back injury is not making it easy for him at the beginning of this season. Will he be ready for the 2026 Australian Open? We are keeping our fingers crossed because it's not for lack of desire to play.
This is the feeling you get when reading his words in a recent interview with The Guardian, where we can get to know a Joao Fonseca incredibly excited about his journey. A unique journey, by the way, without drawing comparisons to any other player. It was precisely at the past Australian Open where the whole world got to know him with that unforgettable match against Andrey Rublev, although this was just the beginning. Twelve months later, the Brazilian is already a seed in the Grand Slams and boasts two titles under his belt. For those who still do not know him well, do not miss these highlights.
Joao Fonseca reveals his dream
"My dream is to become the world number 1, win Grand Slam titles, and make history for Brazil. I have a long way to go, but I know it is a very long and difficult dream... but at the same time, I believe it is possible, and I am doing my best to achieve it. What is clear to me is that I am not a fan of comparisons; I intend to make my own story."
His breakthrough at the 2025 Australian Open
"Playing well and beating Rublev in that match was simply incredible for me; undoubtedly, it was a great achievement. I was playing well at that moment; I was convinced I could win that match, even though it was the most important match I had played until then. Not being the favorite, the positive thing was that I had no pressure, so I played my game, that of an 18-year-old guy who was just there to enjoy. Fortunately, I delivered an incredible tennis."
How did beating Rublev change his life?
"My life changed a bit, not internally or in terms of personality, but externally it changed a lot. I found many people following me and many more getting to know me. My ranking also rose, and the level I showed gave me more confidence. When my parents came home, they told me: 'You have no idea how Brazil is now, people know you.' In the end, that was the goal, to achieve great things and become number one. That is my dream, so that tournament marked a great leap in my career."
Opinion on the Roland Garros final between Sinner and Alcaraz
"It was brilliant tennis; I watched the entire match from home; it was an incredible level. It is difficult to guarantee that I can play at that same level, but I am training hard and working at 100% every day, so at least one day I can play at this level, hopefully against these two guys in this final. I need to improve many things: consistency, responsibility, mentality. The most important thing is your mentality because this gives you the responsibility and consistency to continue working hard every day."
Fonseca trusts he will arrive well at the 2026 Australian Open
"Every day I feel better; I hope to be close to 100% when the tournament starts on Sunday. I need to respect my body and make the right decision; I understand that a long career lies ahead of me. I want to play for 15 more years, so it is vital to take care of your body and understand that sometimes you have to wait. My intention is to play well in the coming weeks... but if I don't, it's okay. It's all part of the process."
Experience with Alcaraz in Florida
"I had practiced with him two or three times in the past, but it was great to see how he handles important points. In my opinion, I played a great match; I even came very close in the tiebreak. Then we had the opportunity to talk a bit about life and his career; he is truly a great guy, very humble, an inspiration for the next generation. I also really like Mensik's game; he is another very complete guy, very confident, and also very young. He has already won a Masters 1000, so he will achieve great things. He is another good friend."
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca: “No soy fan de las comparaciones, pienso hacer mi propia historia”