Fonseca: "After the Rio de Janeiro tournament, I couldn't say no to the professional circuit".
Joao Fonseca has revealed himself in the year 2024. The 18-year-old Brazilian made a name for himself thanks to his quarter-final appearance at the ATP 500 tournament in Rio de Janeiro, with victories over Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin.
At the end of the season, Fonseca qualified for the Next Gen Masters. He commented on his year: "I think I'm pretty mature, and that's thanks to this sport. I'm growing up fast. This is my first year as a professional, so I'm traveling a lot.
It's not easy not being able to see my family and friends as much, but it's my job, I have to get used to it.
This year, I've shown that I'm better physically and mentally. I was 700th in the world at the start of the year.
I realized I was really good last year, when I won the US Open junior. I was thinking of going to university, so I signed up with Virginia University in the USA.
But after the Rio de Janeiro tournament, I couldn't say no to the professional circuit. One of my goals this season was to play in the Next Gen Masters, where I'd be up against the seven other best players under the age of twenty.
I don't like comparing myself to other players; I want to be myself."
