Fonseca : "Mon rêve est d'être numéro un et de gagner des Grands Chelems"

Joao Fonseca will have the difficult task this week of defending his first ATP title in Buenos Aires. After a start to 2026 where the results did not accompany him due to his physical problems, the Brazilian tennis player has spoken to the press about his current situation and the expectations he has for himself, highlighting his intention to become number 1 and win Grand Slams.

The 19-year-old Brazilian tennis player experienced a turning point in 2025, his first full year fully focused on tennis after leaving university, winning his first ATP 250 (Buenos Aires), his first ATP 500 (Basel), and reaching the top 25 in the rankings. However, he is aware that the pressure will only increase, which is why he emphasizes the need to work hard and not become complacent to achieve his goal of becoming one of the world's best tennis players.

"I didn't start the year well due to physical problems, but I'm now at 100%. It's my first time defending an ATP title, and having this experience is rare. I have to enjoy and try to play my best tennis to win the tournament again. I have to understand that I will face increasing pressure. I am working and training well, so I am prepared and confident," he acknowledged in the press conference before his debut in Argentina, which will be against the winner of the match between Facundo Díaz Acosta and Alejandro Tabilo.

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The ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, Fonseca's Thorn

His mission in 2026 is clear, although his mind also looks long-term. "2025 was a fantastic year; I started off well after the Next Gen Finals, winning Canberra and then winning here in Buenos Aires. Throughout the year, I had ups and downs, more ups than downs, but there were moments when I felt more pressure and expectations. At the end of the year, I won Basel, which was my first ATP 500, and I finished the year much more mature and better able to handle this level. I have to work harder and harder to climb in the rankings and achieve my dream, which is to become number one and win Grand Slams."

His thorn is the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, at home, where last year he fell in the early stages to Alexandre Muller. "After my first title here, I went to the Rio de Janeiro tournament with more pressure and expectations. I was thinking more about achieving a good result than enjoying. I had my friends and family there; I live 10 minutes from the stadium, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. Few people experience these situations, and I have to learn how to handle it," he concluded.

Fonseca Aims to Return Brazil to the Top

Joao is the new great hope of Brazilian sports, although this also brings criticism and headlines that he takes philosophically. "It's natural in Brazil. When a new promising talent emerges in any sport and achieves good results, sometimes there are high expectations, and some people speak negatively. I owe nothing to anyone; I think about myself, my work, and my life. I love playing tennis, and I love winning, but sometimes I can't win everything. Many people tell me that I am an inspiration or an idol to them, and that motivates me to make history for Brazil."

At his young age, Fonseca has become one of the greatest talents in the sport of tennis, but now comes the toughest part. Now that he has introduced himself to the world and showcased his talent, Joao will have to carry the weight of all these external factors that come with being the new sensation of world tennis. Listening to him speak, it's evident that he is aware of this and has the right people around him to keep growing and advancing at the rapid pace he has been following so far.

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