At only 19-years-old, the impact of Joao Fonseca is ever-present on the pro circuit.
The Brazilian earned his best result at a Masters event last week when he reached the fourth round of Indian Wells, taking down seeds Karen Khachanov and Tommy Paul to get there.
Despite narrowly falling to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in two close tiebreaks, Fonseca revealed on this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast that he’s “working very hard to be on the same level” as Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – the world’s top two.
“It’s where I want to be and it’s my goal. Hopefully, in some years I can play finals against those guys,” the world No.39 shared.
Indian Wells was perhaps a turning point in Fonseca’s 2026 season that was initially burdened with injury and saw him withdraw from Brisbane and Adelaide before exiting early from Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires – the latter where he entered as defending champion.
It was only last year Fonseca burst onto the tour, beginning the season ranked outside the top 100 yet climbing to a career-best ranking of No.24 by November, collecting two ATP titles at Buenos Aires and Basel along the way.
Having qualified for his maiden Grand Slam at AO 2025, the then 18-year-old displayed his potential when he upset Andrey Rublev in the opening round.
“I think Rublev was what started everything. I think it was where the players, the world and the tennis tour got to know a little bit more about me. It was where my confidence was pretty high and I knew I could do some great things, and my level was there. I just needed maybe some time and experience,” he said.
PODCAST: Listen to Joao Fonseca on The Sit-Down
“I’d say Joao from the beginning of last year to now is much more mature and experienced. I got to meet great players and got to know different tournaments, different places, understand a little bit how to play with five sets.
“I’m happy with myself evolving as a person and as a player.”
Very quickly, Fonseca matches became synonymous with large, passionate crowds appearing in all corners of the world.
With the Miami Open main draw about to kick off, it won’t be surprising to see Brazilian fanfare on an even larger scale than last year. Organisers have already indicated the teen sensation will likely only play on centre court, especially since a second-round clash against Alcaraz could occur.
“I just love playing with the crowd,” said Fonseca, who opens his Miami campaign against Fabian Marozsan.
“The early Joao from 13-years-old or 14, he was more shy and didn’t like the crowd very much. He stayed a little bit more tense, but nowadays I just love it. I think the support that they bring me when I’m winning or losing is just very positive.
“When I’m winning, they are there to keep me focused and hungry for more. When I’m losing, they just give me motivation to not think about negative things and to keep positive and believing.”
With the season far from over, Fonseca will hope to use the momentum gained in the Californian desert to tick off more career milestones.
“It’s my first year defending points and the pressure of going to a tournament and being the defending champion. It’s pretty different from last year and hopefully I can do well,” he acknowledged.
“I’m pretty excited for what’s coming. I’m playing a good level and I’m confident with my tennis.”
Listen to the full episode of The Sit-Down, a weekly podcast released each Monday featuring an in-depth interview with a notable tennis identity. Subscribe in your favourite podcast player so you never miss an episode.