Agassi: "Fonseca has to take it as a compliment that people think he has to win every match"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 21 Feb 2026 | 10.45

Agassi: "Fonseca Should Take It as a Compliment That People Think He Has to Win Every Match". Photo: Getty Images

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When Andre Agassi speaks, you always have to listen. The 8-time Grand Slam champion and one of the best tennis players in history is a well of wisdom and experience, acquired through a career that was always full of bumps, as he explains in his autobiography Open.

His latest appearance took place at the ATP Rio, where he spoke with the media present and reflected on various current aspects in the tennis world. As expected, he discussed the situation that Joao Fonseca is going through, as well as the good form of Fran Cerúndolo and the controversy surrounding a possible change of surface on the South American tour.

Andre Agassi assesses Joao Fonseca's current situation

"Fonseca should take it as a compliment that people think he should win every match, but he needs to learn that other people's expectations are not his responsibility; however, improving every day is his responsibility. So, I hope he can make this distinction between others' expectations and what he needs to focus on."

"I know it's difficult, because there is a lot of value placed on winning or losing, and you forget what you need to do to get better, and victories are a product of doing 1000 things right. He has the luxury of being young but is already feeling the pressure of expectations."

He wouldn't mind a change from clay to hard courts in the South American tour

"I think changing surfaces could impact certain players' decisions to come here. It's quite a difficult transition to go from here straight to the hard courts in the US. In some ways, the surface would encourage other players to come."

"It's not easy to go from hard courts to these heavier conditions; you can feel it in the air, the humidity, the clay's density, the weight, the slowness, to then return to hard courts. It's not easy for the body, the mind, or the travel; there are so many working components for these players to make that decision."

He praises Fran Cerúndolo's exceptional form

"He has been a pillar for the Laver Cup, for Team World. He is one of the toughest opponents on the circuit, do you know what I mean? He always shows up, has an incredible work ethic, moves very well, has a powerful forehand, and is a great competitor. I never count anyone out when it comes to achieving what they are capable of, or even more, because much of that happens in the mind rather than in skills."

"He has the skills to do it, and I think he also has the necessary work ethic. I love being around him. I love watching him play. And I think he is only getting better. I never count anyone out. I would always choose hard work over incredible talent. I have seen extraordinary talent go to waste. I have never seen hard work fail to impress people regarding what someone can achieve," concludes Andre Agassi, who never fails to captivate anyone.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Agassi: "Fonseca tiene que tomarse como un cumplido que la gente piense que tiene que ganar cada partido"