What makes Joao Fonseca so good? That’s the question on the lips of those of us getting our first look at the Brazilian 18-year-old this year, as he made light work of Hubert Hurkacz yesterday. Luckily, our tennis expert Matthew Futterman explained it back in January.
That was after Fonseca bagged his first win at a grand slam at the Australian Open in January – here’s what makes him special:
“The obvious comparison to a top player is world No. 1 Sinner, given Fonseca’s big serve, easy baseline power and shy demeanor on the court and off it. Fonseca hums along like a flywheel, ready to whip his opponent off their axis when he leans into a forehand, or perhaps a two-handed backhand down the line. He can also change gear.
“His biggest challenge is consistency: figuring out how to win when he isn’t playing his best. In junior tennis, the better player — the one with the best technique and the best shots — usually wins the tournament. That’s not how it shakes out during the serious stuff.”
