Fonseca: "My level may still be far away, but I can compete against them"

Jose Morón | 11 Mar 2026 | 05.10

Fonseca: "My level may still be far away, but I can compete against them." Photo: Getty

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Brazilian Joao Fonseca bid farewell to Indian Wells after losing to Jannik Sinner in a very close match where the young South American player displayed a highly competitive attitude. Joao silenced many who had predicted he would be going home after a thrashing from Jannik. Not only did that not happen, but he competed toe to toe and even outperformed him at times.

The match was characterized by intensity and the Italian's ability to prevail in key moments, especially thanks to his consistency and effectiveness in crucial points. In both tiebreaks, Fonseca had a mini-break advantage, but Sinner showed why he is one of the best in terms of mental strength. He plays the important points better than anyone.

After the match, Fonseca stated that he is leaving satisfied with his performance despite the defeat, emphasizing that he managed to stand up against one of the best players on the circuit. The Brazilian acknowledged that the difference lay in the details and the handling of crucial points, also highlighting the immense pressure and intensity that Sinner brings throughout the entire match, something he considers fundamental to explain the outcome of the clash.

Fonseca leaves Indian Wells proud of his level

Where was the difference

I think it was a good match. It was evenly contested from the very first point. I believe I played good tennis and felt really good on court today. I think the difference was in the crucial points. It's true that in the first set, there were some tough moments for me, and he served very well. There was a point where he managed to apply a lot of pressure. So, the credit today goes to him. I did everything I could, gave my best. Of course, there are things to improve and work on for the next match.

Takeaways from the match against Sinner

As a player, when you lose, it's normal to feel a certain sadness or disappointment and try to analyze what you did right and what you did wrong, but I am also pleased with how I played. Personally, I don't usually get angry with myself when I feel like I did things well and the credit goes to the opponent. I just try to analyze what I could have done better. Maybe I could have served better at 6-5 in the tiebreak that I had. I don't know. There's always that "what if..." but the past cannot be changed, so one must focus on the future. I'm happy with my performance, although there are aspects to improve.

What surprised you the most about Sinner's game

I think he exerts a lot of pressure. Not only with his serve, though he served very well today as he won many points with it, even at crucial moments. I would say he always applies a lot of pressure, even when under tension. No matter the situation, he hits the ball with great force. That's the feeling I had, the intensity of his game. In every point, you have to be a hundred percent, always prepared and focused. I believe the main difference was that intensity and how he approaches crucial points. And, of course, his consistency. He usually doesn't make unforced errors. That also made the difference today.

How do you see yourself now after competing head-to-head with him

I think my level is good, that I can compete against them and play great matches, but there are always small details, very specific things you must work on every day. Those little details are crucial, for example, how they play the important points or how they manage those moments. They have a lot of experience, and I still need to acquire it, but I believe the level is there. Maybe still a bit far, but I can compete against them. I still have many things to improve, but I am satisfied because today I felt that the level was quite close.

More about your performance today

I am satisfied with my performance because I managed to press him quite a bit. The exchanges were good, and I was able to apply pressure as I wanted. I served well and tried to return as best as possible, but he also served very well. Overall, I think my expectations were met. I tried to put everything I had on the court and see how the match unfolded. I did see some opportunities, and that may have raised my expectations a bit more, because you are playing against a former world number one, but as I said, the level was there. Now I have to keep working on other aspects to consistently reach that level.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca: "Mi nivel puede que todavía esté lejos, pero puedo competir contra ellos"