18-Year-Old Joao Fonseca Stuns Rublev at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia – Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old Brazilian tennis prodigy ranked 112th in the world, delivered a stunning performance at the Australian Open on Tuesday, defeating ninth-seeded Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-6 (5). The victory marks Fonseca’s first win in a Grand Slam tournament and solidifies his reputation as one of tennis’s most promising young talents.

Fonseca, who won the US Open Juniors and the Next Gen ATP Finals last year, showcased remarkable composure and power against Rublev, a seasoned top-10 player. His first serve consistently reached speeds of 220 kilometers per hour, and his aggressive baseline play kept Rublev on the defensive throughout the match.

“Fonseca is an impressive player,” said Vincenzo Santopadre, a former coach of Matteo Berrettini, who is assisting Lorenzo Sonego, Fonseca’s next opponent. “He has power and speed reminiscent of Jannik Sinner, but he still has a long way to go. His personality on the court, combined with his humility and desire to improve, is what sets him apart.”

Fonseca will face Italy‘s Lorenzo Sonego, ranked 55th, in the second round on Thursday. The two previously met in Bucharest last spring, where Fonseca emerged victorious in a tight match. Sonego, who defeated Stan Wawrinka in the first round, will need to leverage his experience and tactical variety to counter Fonseca’s explosive game.

Meanwhile, American Frances Tiafoe, the 17th seed, survived a grueling five-set match against Arthur Rinderknech, winning 7-6 (2), 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-3. Tiafoe, who struggled physically during the match, will face Hungary‘s Fabian Marozsan in the second round. Marozsan, ranked 59th, also endured a marathon match, defeating Thiago Seyboth Wild in five sets.

Fonseca’s rise has drawn comparisons to young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but his coach and supporters caution against premature expectations. “He has a long way to go,” Santopadre added. “But he promises very well.”