Fonseca reveals the two keys that explain his success at Roland Garros

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 1 Jun 2026 | 01.59

Joao Fonseca talks about the victory against Ruud at Roland Garros 2026. Photo: gettyimages

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Joao Fonseca continues to write his own story at Roland Garros 2026. The young Brazilian reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time after defeating Casper Ruud in a performance that confirmed the significant competitive leap he has made in recent months.

With Gustavo Kuerten watching the match from the stands, Joao Fonseca experienced a very special night at Philippe-Chatrier. After the match, the Brazilian explained the keys to his spectacular progression this season, talked about the mental evolution that has allowed him to compete more consistently, and reflected on the promising future of a generation of young players that is emerging strongly on the circuit.

Joao Fonseca's Words after Reaching the Quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2026

An Unforgettable Night with Guga

"It was a really special day for me. I think I played a great match from the start, putting a lot of pressure with my game and trying to impose my conditions."

"Having Guga there, supporting and cheering for me, was amazing. It's a very nice experience and something I will remember for a long time. For a Brazilian, experiencing something like this at Roland Garros means a lot."

Managing His First Second Week at a Grand Slam

"I feel good. Everything is different for me because it's the first time I've reached this far in a Grand Slam. Going to the locker room and seeing fewer players each time is incredible. Everything feels different, but I'm trying to live in the moment and enjoy the experience."

"Physically I'm feeling good. I'm recovering pretty well during the rest days. Obviously, I end up tired after the matches, but I'm sleeping well, eating well, resting, and hydrating properly. I think I'll arrive in good shape for the next match."

The Huge Change from the Beginning of the Season

"I think the key has been the work. The preseason in December was very tough and helped me a lot. Australia is a good example of the situation I was in back then. I arrived with almost no match rhythm. I had been standing for thirteen days and had barely trained for two days before playing. Maybe it wasn't the best decision to compete in those conditions, but it served as a learning experience."

"What has changed is that I have worked a lot physically. I also feel that my mentality has evolved a lot. Now, I try to focus on each point and not on the final outcome of the match."

"It has been the longest tour of the season for me. I've been away from home since Montecarlo. All the accumulated work and the mental improvement I have experienced during these months explain a large part of what is happening now."

The Difference Between Beating Djokovic and Ruud

"They were completely different matches. Against Djokovic, the challenge was much more mental. The conditions were different, it was much hotter, and I was also playing against someone I respect a lot. At first, maybe I respected him too much, and that showed in my game."

"Against Casper, I felt much more confident from the start. I was more aggressive, looked for shots decisively, and tried to take control of the points quickly."

"It was a battle to see who could impose their aggressiveness first and who could dominate the exchanges. I think from the beginning, I managed to put a lot of pressure on him, and especially in crucial points, I played at a very high level. Both matches were great victories, but today I was more solid throughout the match."

A Generation Pushing Strongly

"It's fantastic to see how the new generation is playing so well. It's not just Mensik or me. There are also players like Tien, Alex Michelsen, Jódar, and many other young talents."

"It's great to have all of them around because we push each other to improve. We encourage each other to keep growing, and I'm sure we will have great battles for many years to come."

The Secret of His Powerful Forehand

"It's a difficult question to answer. Every player has their personality, their shots, and their strengths. I believe one of my main strengths is power. I like taking risks, going for shots, and playing aggressively. Since I was a kid, I've played like this."

"Obviously, when I was younger, I didn't have the same consistency, but I always liked to attack. It's part of my identity as a player. Sometimes I go a bit crazy, sometimes the ball ends up in the fence, and sometimes I miss important shots. But I prefer to continue being aggressive and trust my tennis. That confidence is what has helped me get this far."

The breakthrough of Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros 2026 is already a reality. The Brazilian is not only achieving the best results of his career but is also beginning to consolidate a competitive identity based on aggressiveness, confidence, and a much more mature mentality than that shown at the start of the season. With Gustavo Kuerten watching from the stands and all of Brazil following his steps, Fonseca continues to confirm that he is ready to become one of the great figures in the future of world tennis.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca desvela las dos claves que explican su éxito en Roland Garros

Joao Fonseca