João Fonseca Sparks Excitement at French Open as He Faces Jack Draper

PARIS, France — João Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian tennis sensation, will face Britain’s Jack Draper in the third round of the French Open on Saturday. Until this year, Fonseca had never played in a main-draw Grand Slam match, but he is quickly making a name for himself.

Queues are long outside the Roland Garros courts whenever Fonseca plays, attracting diligent fans eager to watch the world number 65 compete. Draper praised Fonseca’s game, stating, “I think everyone can see his potential in the way he plays the game. The stuff he can come out with is powerful, very dynamic and explosive.”

Fonseca captured attention last year by winning the ATP Next Gen title for players under 21. His stunning upset of eighth seed Andrey Rublev during his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open gained him further recognition. Even 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic expressed his admiration, declaring himself a fan.

However, Fonseca’s early success has also come with challenges. After winning an ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires, he faced a setback with a string of losses, including a notable defeat against Draper at Indian Wells. Fonseca’s powerful forehand is his biggest weapon, but he is still learning to channel that energy effectively.

“When I was young, I always loved to hit winners, but sometimes the ball was going to the fence,” Fonseca told BBC Sport. “Now, I’ve started improving and being more patient.”

The buzz around Fonseca is immense in Brazil, with football stars like Ronaldo and Neymar sending their support. As he travels from one tournament to another, a carnival-like atmosphere follows him, particularly from his strong fanbase in Rio de Janeiro.

<p“People were constantly yelling and following him,” said Lui Carvalho, Rio Open tournament director. “We have never had so many requests from government officials and celebrities for tickets.”

Despite the pressures of fame, Fonseca, who is known for his shy demeanor in interviews, is embracing the attention. “I just love it. I love to represent Brazil and carry the flag,” he shared. “When I’m going higher in the rankings, there are even more people coming.”

Fans are hopeful that Fonseca can become Brazil’s next Grand Slam champion, joining the ranks of Maria Bueno and Gustavo Kuerten, the last Brazilian man to win a singles Grand Slam back in 2001.

<p“Fonseca is our hope,” said Brazilian supporter Luis Gustavo. “We are trusting him to become the new number one and a Grand Slam winner.”

Unlike many Brazilian sporting heroes, Fonseca’s background is relatively privileged. He grew up in a wealthy family, with early training at the exclusive Rio de Janeiro Country Club. His father, Christiano, is a successful businessman, while his mother, Roberta, was a junior volleyball player.

<p“Things got more serious when I was 12,” Fonseca noted, mentioning how he began dual training sessions during the pandemic. As he climbs the ranks, global sponsors are eager to work with him, but his family has chosen to manage his career closely.

<p“I have a very good base with my family and team,” Fonseca said. “They help me keep my feet on the ground and focus on my routine.”