Joao Fonseca’s star is rapidly ascending in the tennis world, as the promising teenager recently marked a significant breakthrough in his fledgling career. A respected coach has now tipped him as a future “Grand Slam master,” confident that his time at the very top is just around the corner.
At just 18 years and 277 days old, Fonseca stunned the crowd at Roland Garros by overcoming home favorite Pierre-Hugues Herbert in straight sets—7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4—advancing to the third round of a major for the first time. This impressive run places him ahead of none other than Rafael Nadal, who was 18 years and 354 days old when he reached the same stage during his breakthrough Paris campaign in 2005.
Reflecting on his achievement, Fonseca said, “Going to the third round. It was really a dream. After that, I saw my grandmother entering the court. She was crying. So it’s really nice, and it’s my mom’s birthday, so it makes it more special.”
The Brazilian’s electrifying performances have won over fans at Roland Garros, who have been vocal in their support throughout his matches. The youthful competitor admitted the roar of the crowd often sends chills down his spine. “Sometimes I feel goosebumps when the people are shouting or I make a good point and they call my name,” he revealed. “It’s just super nice. It’s a vibe that I can’t explain. After the match, I just can’t talk because they shout so loud, they make a lot of noise. So it’s just super cool. It’s an amazing vibe.”
Following his strong showing on clay, Fonseca is poised to climb the ATP rankings, set to break into the Top 60 with a projected jump to No. 53. Yet, insiders agree that his potential stretches far beyond this milestone.
Rick Macci, the legendary coach who shaped the early careers of Venus and Serena Williams, has praised Fonseca’s fearless mindset and explosive game. On X, Macci wrote, “The Brazilian blaster has that inner courage that his successful parents always knew you cannot buy over the INTERNET. Joao has that courage go bigger pull the Brazilian trigger and launch 100 mph forehands over the NET. He loves the battle and is hard to rattle.”
Macci also made an interesting point about the role of Fonseca’s family background. With his father heading a Brazilian hedge fund, one might assume wealth is a key factor in his rise. However, the coach cautioned, “Fonseca will be near the top in the future. If I were to HEDGE my bet is not because his dad started a HEDGE fund. Money helps but it cuts both ways. It gives you maybe a better chance but what you do with the chance will decide if you show up at the Grand Slam dance.”
Emphasizing the true foundations of success, Macci continued, “Fonseca is a rare talent with unlimited potential not because his family has money like [Jessica] Pegula and [Emma] Navarro. Dedication Inspiration Motivation Education Stimulation and Preparation is why the Brazilian blaster arrived faster avoided disaster and will become a Grand Slam master.”
Macci has gone so far as to compare Fonseca with some of the sport’s brightest young stars. “Fonseca is the best young prospect I have seen since Carlos that checks the most important boxes to win Grand Slams. He will get unreal experience on how to lose and how to be a winner and in two years be right there with Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner.”
As Fonseca prepares to face fifth seed Jack Draper next, the tennis world watches with anticipation. With his explosive power, steely nerve, and growing maturity, the Brazilian teenager is well on course to carve out his own legacy on the grandest stages of the sport.