Fonseca: "I felt a little pressure, I lacked conviction and confidence"

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The defending champion of the Argentina Open didn't even last one round. Joao Fonseca, who has yet to win a match in 2026, packed his bags in the first round after a defeat against Alejandro Tabilo. Here are his post-match statements.

From the ultimate joy in 2025 after clinching his first career title, to the disappointment a year later for being unable to advance past the first round of the draw. This is Joao Fonseca's tale with the Argentina Open in its first two editions, one of glory and one of downfall. Far from creating a drama, the reality is that the Brazilian has lost both matches he played this season: against Spizzirri at the Australian Open and against Tabilo in Buenos Aires. Nonetheless, at the press conference, he appeared calm, aware that good news will come at any moment. However, tonight could only be bitter for a man who lost his throne in the first city he conquered.

Joao Fonseca's Statements after Being Eliminated from the Argentina Open

"Physically, I felt very good, I was at 100%, although the match result wasn't what I expected. I leave a bit burned, sad, I really wanted to win... but you can't win every match. It was a very tough loss for me, but I have to keep a positive mindset. My mentality is to keep doing the right things and working hard, eventually the results will come."

Pressure from being the champion?

"If I say no, I'd be lying, so yes, I certainly felt a bit more pressure, I felt tense from the beginning of the match. I tried to bring intensity, motivation, eagerness, even sought support from the crowd, but it wasn't my day. There was a lack of conviction and confidence. We will work hard on this, I've been training well, I'm confident that 2026 will be a great year for me. Now, we move on to Rio, surely things will go much better there."

Opinion on the South American circuit

"It's only my second year playing the ATP circuit, although I've been hearing many players talking about it, mentioning that in a few years, we will see this new Masters 1000 in Arabia. Obviously, I really enjoy playing here, in South America; I believe it's a very important tour for South Americans, it's crucial to play on clay courts. I'm a bit of a novice, I don't know how everything will be in the future, for me, everything in the circuit is perfect right now, every tournament I play is great. In a few years, when I have more experience, I'll be able to provide a more informed opinion."

What aspects are you working on to improve?

"We are working a lot on the technical aspects, both the serve and the rest, two crucial elements at this level. Right now, all players at this level have a very high standard in both areas. We're also working on the serve +1, essential on any surface. There are many things we need to work on mentally and physically, but that's the beauty of it, we have many areas to improve, although we are already at a high level of tennis."

Content with your evolution pace

"Obviously, expectations are there, there will always be talk about my progress, people seeing me as the next Kuerten, the next Alcaraz, or the next Sinner. I'm creating my own story; last year, I already won in Buenos Aires, but that doesn't mean I'll win again this year. I'm ranked #24 in the world, but that doesn't mean I'll be the No. 1. Everything has its time; from my side, I can only keep working hard, strengthening my mindset, technique, and physical condition. I have a very good team helping me grow as a player and as an individual. Each tennis player has their time and their story; this must be respected. I don't like comparisons, but they will be there, so I have to be mentally prepared. Sometimes they affect me, sometimes they create tension, but typically, I manage this issue well."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca: “He sentido un poco de presión, me faltó convicción y confianza”