Fonseca clarifies his jab at Djokovic: "I was joking"

Joao Fonseca has taken a giant step in the ATP Montreal 2026 after defeating Casper Ruud and advancing to the round of 16, where he will face the reigning champion Ben Shelton. Additionally, in a press conference, he has clarified his controversial statements about Novak Djokovic that have stirred quite a reaction, explaining that what he said was meant as a joke.

A few days ago, Djokovic proposed changing the format of tennis to make matches shorter, with sets to 4 games and a golden point when there is a 40-all. When asked about it, Fonseca said that Novak wanted to make that change because he is getting older. These statements have spread quickly and many have taken them as an offense, which is why the Brazilian tennis player has decided to explain that he did not say it in a serious tone.

Fonseca talks about the support from the crowd in Montreal

There are usually a lot of Brazilians, and that is great. The atmosphere was very good today. Even people from other countries, Canadians and Americans, were very friendly. I really enjoyed the atmosphere on the court tonight.

Comparisons with Sinner or Kuerten and expectations about his figure

I just think that I am not one of them yet. Of course, my dream is to be one. My dream is to inspire kids, inspire people, and achieve half of what these guys have achieved, so I try to focus on my routine and on what I can do to improve every day as an athlete and as a person, and I think that is all. I also had a good foundation. My parents taught me well to keep my feet on the ground. That is also something good that I need to keep in mind.

Level of confidence after winning against Ruud and Tsitsipas

I think I am more solid, I would say. Stronger, mentally and physically. So yes, I felt good in these two big victories against experienced guys. Undoubtedly, I am happy, happy with how I fought in these two matches and excited for the next one.

Controversial statements about Djokovic

I was joking. I mean, we know that Novak is getting older, but I would do the same as him if I knew. I think he was also joking when he talked about that. I mean, I really like playing sets of 4 games because I played well in Next Gen. So yes, of course, I was joking.

Fonseca analyzes his next match against Shelton

It will definitely be a tough match. Ben is a formidable player. He likes this surface. He likes the ball to bounce high, so his serve will be more difficult than usual. But yes, I think I have learned a lot this year and gained more experience. I have quite a bit of confidence for the match. I feel good running. So, I will keep going, rest more, and be ready for Sunday.

Improvement with the serve during the match against Ruud

I was not serving well today. At first, I had problems with the first serve, and I am trying to solve those issues that arise on the court, and when that happens, it really matters a lot. I was serving second serves as if they were first serves, just to get them in the court. I was serving with confidence, and I was not hitting my first serves with all my strength. I was just trying to make some returns fail and trying to play the point. I am happy with how I stayed mentally focused. Of course, serve is very important, especially on hard courts, so yes, I am very satisfied with how I resolved the issues.

Friendship with Duncan Chan

He is my training partner and a great friend. He is also playing in the tournament. He did quite well. I know him well and his mom. We played together in the junior league. A great friend. He is still playing in college, but he is making the
transition. I wish him the best, and I think he plays doubles tomorrow, so wish him
good luck.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fonseca matiza su dardo a Djokovic: "Estaba bromeando"