Fonseca climbs out of the pit: "This victory gives me a lot of confidence"

Pedro de Pablos | 8 Mar 2026 | 09.28

Fonseca comes out of the well: "This victory gives me a lot of confidence"

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Joao Fonseca is smiling again. After a tough start to 2026, the young Brazilian talent scored a crucial victory yesterday against Karen Khachanov in the second round of the 2026 Indian Wells Masters 1000, where he even saved two match points in the second set. Still courtside, Fonseca emphasized the importance of this win for his confidence.

This victory over Karen Khachanov is the kind of turnaround that changes a season completely. Joao had suffered a back injury earlier in the year and a prolonged recovery period that disrupted his rhythm for the South American tour. However, in Indian Wells, Fonseca is rediscovering his best form, enabling him to reach the third round with two stellar performances.

"I am very happy. These are the type of wins I aim for. I was facing two match points, he was leading 6-4 in the second-set tiebreak. I made a good return and then served well, so I am very pleased with how I fought back and turned the match around. I am very, very happy," stated the 19-year-old Brazilian tennis player, displaying a maturity not often seen in someone his age. He stood strong against the resilient Khachanov and pulled off an unexpected comeback.

Fonseca discusses the tough start to 2026 and the importance of the crowd

"This win gives me a lot of confidence. The first month of competition was challenging, trying to regain form and recovering from the back injury. Winning this match against a Grand Slam semifinalist like Khachanov, who has won several significant titles, makes me very happy. I know his experience, and after coming back in the second set, I got an early break in the third to secure the win. It means a lot to me," he confessed after the match.

Joao is a crowd favorite wherever he plays. Whether in Rio de Janeiro, California, or London, he always has the Brazilian fans supporting him, which he appreciated and highlighted as crucial for his comeback against Khachanov. "I hope all these people come back for the match against Tommy Paul. The support meant a lot to me today. They helped me keep believing, the support was incredible. Hopefully, they will be there again in the third round," he concluded.

There are high expectations for Fonseca, which means that when results falter, he receives plenty of criticism. However, the moment he shows signs of resurgence, all eyes are on him, though internally he takes it philosophically. He knows the deal and handles it as best as he can. Tonight, he will face Tommy Paul for a spot in the round of 16, where he might meet Jannik Sinner for the first time in his career.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca sale del pozo: "Esta victoria me da mucha confianza"