João Fonseca Shines on Debut, Upsets Hubert Hurkacz at Roland Garros

PARIS, France — Eighteen-year-old Brazilian tennis star João Fonseca made an impressive debut at Roland Garros on Tuesday, May 27, defeating 28th-ranked Hubert Hurkacz of Poland in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

The match, held on Court 7 at 12 PM Brasília time, showcased Fonseca’s remarkable skill and poise, attracting a lively crowd of Brazilian fans waving flags in support. This victory marks Fonseca’s first main-draw win at the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Fonseca dominated the match, winning 90 points compared to Hurkacz’s 60, while achieving a 78% success rate on first serves. The Brazilian’s performance is a significant turnaround after struggling earlier this season on clay, where he faced first-round exits at the Madrid and Rome Masters and the Estoril Challenger.

Thomaz Koch, a Brazilian tennis legend, had previously cautioned about the adjustment to clay courts, emphasizing the need for patience. Fonseca’s game strategy focused on aggressive returns and constructing points patiently, techniques well-timed against Hurkacz’s powerful serves.

The first set set the tone, with Fonseca breaking Hurkacz’s serve early and finishing with a 6-2 score. Though Hurkacz attempted a comeback in the second set, Fonseca maintained his momentum, ultimately winning 6-4 after a critical break in the tenth game.

In the concluding set, Fonseca showcased his dominance once again, wrapping up the match at 6-2. The win not only reflects his remarkable talent but positions him well ahead of his next challenge against Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France, ranked No. 149.

Roland Garros holds a special significance for Brazilian tennis, and Fonseca’s victory brings back memories of Gustavo Kuerten‘s success on the clay courts. Echoing the enthusiasm of Kuerten’s fans from years past, the crowd’s chants of “Olê, olê, olê, Fonseca, Fonseca” served to uplift the young athlete.

Koch and other tennis icons have rallied around Fonseca, with many seeing potential in his aggressive style that is well-suited to clay. Both Nadal and Kuerten have offered mentorship, highlighting the importance of support for emerging talents like Fonseca.

With this victory, Fonseca advances to face Herbert in the next round, a matchup that carries its own set of challenges as he continues to navigate the pressures of high-stakes tournaments. The journey ahead in this year’s French Open is already promising, and Fonseca remains focused on his growth and competitive spirit.