Joao Fonseca has expressed his desire to emulate Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after clinching the 2024 NextGen ATP Finals title. The prodigious Brazilian asserted his “dream” to become world No. 1 as he sets his sights on competing in “big matches at Grand Slams.”
Fonseca showcased his immense talent and determination by defeating Learner Tien 2-4 4-3(8) 4-0 4-2 in the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals final. The 18-year-old dominated the event, winning all five matches in a field featuring the top eight players of the 2024 season aged 20 or under.
Currently at a career-high ranking of world No. 145, Fonseca began the year ranked outside the top 700 at No. 730. His meteoric rise included his maiden Challenger Tour title in Lexington in July, marking a spectacular breakthrough season. Reflecting on his victory in Jeddah, the Brazilian tennis star proudly spoke about his growth and outlined his bold ambitions.
“If you told Joao at the start of the year that he did all the things he did this year, he would think it is amazing,” Fonseca said. “It is amazing how I have improved physically and mentally. I have been very strong mentally, winning matches against the top 50 and top 20 players. I am proud of myself, but of course, I want more. My dream is to become No. 1.”
Fonseca emphasized the significance of his NextGen triumph as a stepping stone to greater achievements. “Of course, now, after winning Next Gen, I want to enjoy it this week and relax and celebrate with my family. I want to enjoy the moment, and I am very pleased and thankful for this year,” he added.
The young Brazilian drew inspiration from Alcaraz and Sinner, who have transitioned from NextGen champions to Grand Slam winners and world No. 1 players. “It is a good pressure. By winning NextGen, it shows I am on the right path,” Fonseca remarked. “I hope I can do the same or even better than what they have done and are doing and are going to do. I look forward to playing with them and I hope I can compete in big matches at Grand Slams. It is where I want to go.”
He also expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the tournament. “It was amazing all week. Seeing people from other countries cheering for you. People don’t need to cheer for me, but they are. I am very happy with that. I like to entertain. In important moments, I need help from the crowd and I try to entertain,” he said. “It was nice to see Brazilian fans here too. There was a group here all week. It was amazing to see them cheering for me and the country.”
The comparisons to Alcaraz and Sinner are inevitable, given their shared path to success. Both players have achieved remarkable feats since their respective victories at the Next Gen ATP Finals in 2019 and 2021. The two-time Grand Slam champion is currently the world No. 1, while the four-time Grand Slam champion first reached the pinnacle of men’s tennis in 2022 as a 19-year-old. Both have secured multiple Grand Slam titles, setting an impressive benchmark for rising stars like Fonseca.
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