"Even Alcaraz didn't have that at 19": Fonseca following in the footsteps of the Spanish prodigy?
Fonseca, a meteoric rise
There are seasons that resonate like a warning. That of João Fonseca, 19 years old, belongs to this category.
Two ATP titles, a stunning entry into the top 25, a victory over Rublev right at the Australian Open, and above all an impression: that of a player accelerating faster than the usual rules of the tour.
Natural talent, power, charisma: the Brazilian has everything to become one of the essential faces of modern tennis.
A parallel: Fonseca vs Alcaraz, 2021 version
The comparison seemed pretentious, but today, the numbers make it more credible.
Fonseca's progression strangely mirrors that of a certain Carlos Alcaraz during his 2021 season, the one that announced the arrival of a phenomenon on the ATP tour.
Indeed, Fonseca moved from 145th to 24th place in the rankings, while Alcaraz had climbed from 141st to 35th place that year.
Regarding the ATP record, similar similarities: 26–16 for Fonseca, compared to 27–17 for Alcaraz.
Titles: two ATP trophies for both young prodigies
Next, the two men seem to have had the same success during their transition from Challengers to the main tour.
Same with the Grand Slams: where they managed to quickly win a first round. However, Fonseca has not yet reached the level of Alcaraz's 2021 US Open.
More than coincidences?
However, one must be measured, because the Brazilian's 2025 season was not just a fairy tale.
Indeed, Fonseca also faced the harsh reality of the tour: matches lost due to a lack of a plan B, identity doubts, still fragile emotional management.
But these setbacks had a beneficial effect: they toughened him up. Moreover, it does not change the obvious fact: Fonseca has something that others do not.
So, Fonseca future world No. 1?
The dream is tempting, but reality is quite different. Alcaraz and Sinner already dominate the era. And joining them seems very difficult.
However, if he enriches his transition game, if he refines his choices, if he keeps his body intact, then yes, the Brazilian phenomenon could fulfill the fantasies of his biggest fans.
A lot of ifs, but as we know, high-level sport reserves its share of surprises that are impossible for us to predict.
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