Tag: Fonseca

Joao Fonseca delivered what he described as a ‘rude’ response to Novak Djokovic‘s comments after becoming the breakthrough star of the Australian Open.

Fonseca delivered a sensational display to stun Andrey Rublev in straight sets, beating the world No. 9 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) in the opening round on Tuesday.

The Brazilian’s victory has attracted huge fanfare in his native land, while players Down Under have contacted the teenager to offer their congratulations.

But the 18-year-old showed he has a mature head on his shoulders when responding to questions regarding his sharp rise to prominence.

Addressing his win, Fonseca said: “The players are congratulating me for a good match against Rublev, a good win.

“But it’s important to get – it’s going to sound a little bit rude – some respect from other players.

“From Brazil, the repercussions [of the win] is just big. People are getting to know a little bit more of me, that’s super nice. But at the same time you need to be focused.

“People are going to say a lot, have more expectation, like I said. You need to stay focused in your routine, what you need to do, to work more and more.”

His comments may not be quite the typical response expected after Djokovic singled out him as a talent for the future.

Indeed, the Serbian paid him the highest compliment imaginable after witnessing his debut victory, explaining that he sees another version of himself when he watches him in action.

“I congratulated him not only on the win last night that I’ve seen, the last set I’ve seen, but also everything he has been doing the last six to 12 months,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been following his rise, and I just love how he plays the big points. Courageous, very clean hitter, all-around player.

“Brazil is a huge country. It’s super important for our sport to have a very good player coming from Brazil. I think they haven’t had a player maybe of this calibre since Guga Kuerten.

“It’s exciting times for Brazil, but also for the whole tennis world ’cause such a young player and person to be able to play so good on a big stage is impressive.

“I’ve been a fan of his game. I think in one of my interviews for ATP I was saying I see some of my game there in his game, particularly when I was his age when you’re kind of carelessly going for the shots, just showing what you’re capable of.

“He’s got the goods. He showed that last night on a big stage to go very far. The future is bright for him, no doubt, if he keeps going this way.”

Fonseca’s dream start met a disappointing conclusion in Melbourne when he lost in five sets to Lorenzo Sonego, but there is little doubt his name will be appearing in the headlines at Grand Slams a whole lot more in the future.