Fonseca: "My dream is to be number one and win Grand Slams"
The Brazilian tennis player acknowledged having overcome physical problems, and he feels prepared to validate the title at the Buenos Aires ATP 250.
Joao Fonseca will have the difficult task this week of defending his first ATP title in Buenos Aires. After a start to 2026 where results have not gone along due to his physical problems, the Brazilian tennis player has spoken to the press to discuss his current situation and the expectations he has for himself, emphasizing his intention to become number 1 and win Grand Slams.
The 19-year-old Brazilian tennis player had a turning point in 2025, his first full year fully focused on tennis after leaving college, winning his first ATP 250 (Buenos Aires), his first ATP 500 (Basel) and climbing to the top 25 in the rankings. However, he is aware that the pressure will continue to increase, hence he reiterates the importance of working hard and not getting complacent to achieve his goal of becoming one of the best tennis players in the world.
"I didn't start the year well due to physical problems, but I'm now back at 100%. It's my first time defending an ATP title, and having this experience is rare. I have to enjoy it and try to play my best tennis to win the tournament again. I have to learn that I will face increasing pressure. I am working and training well, so I am prepared and confident," he acknowledged in the press conference before his debut in Argentina, which will be against the winner of the match between Facundo Díaz Acosta and Alejandro Tabilo.
The ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, Fonseca's Thorn
His mission in 2026 is clear, although his mind also envisions the long term. "2025 was a great year, I started off well after the Next Gen, winning Canberra and then winning here in Buenos Aires. Throughout the year, I had ups and downs, more highs than lows, but there were moments where I felt more pressure and expectations. By the end of the year, I won Basel, my first ATP 500, and ended the year much more mature and better equipped to handle this level. I have to work harder to climb the rankings and achieve my dream, which is to become number one and win Grand Slams."
His thorn in the side is the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, at home, where last year he was defeated right at the beginning by Alexandre Muller. "After my first title here, I went to the Rio de Janeiro tournament with more pressure and expectations. I was more focused on achieving a good result than enjoying the game. I had my friends and family there, I live 10 minutes from the stadium, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. Few people have these experiences, and I have to know how to handle it," he concluded.
Fonseca Aims to Restore Brazil to the Top
Joao is the new great hope of Brazilian sports, although this also brings criticism and headlines that he takes in stride. "It is natural in Brazil. When a new promising athlete emerges in any sport and performs well, sometimes there are high expectations, and there are people who speak poorly. I don't owe anything to anyone; I focus on myself, my work, and my life. I love playing tennis and I love winning, but sometimes I can't win everything. Many people have told me that I am an inspiration or an idol to them, and that motivates me to make history for Brazil."
At his young age, Fonseca has become one of the greatest talents in the sport of tennis, but now comes the most challenging part. Having introduced himself to the world and demonstrated his talent, Joao will have to deal with all the external factors that come with being the new jewel of the world of tennis. Listening to him speak, it is evident that he is aware of this and that he has the right people around him to continue growing and progressing at the rapid pace he has maintained so far.
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