Fonseca on his Australian Open: "I'm not too much into social networking, so I wasn't sure what impact it had."

Joao Fonseca arrives with a new status at home, at the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro.

Since winning the title in Buenos Aires, the Brazilian has entered a new dimension, receiving congratulatory messages from Brazilian stars such as Neymar and Ronaldo.

In a press conference, he commented on this growing media attention: "I feel honoured by the messages I've received from national and international idols.

They know who I am. Neymar, Vinicius, Ronaldo. They're idols, people I considered untouchable.

It's surreal when children tell me that I'm an idol to them. I'm very happy with everything that's happening.

Things have happened very quickly in my career. I quickly moved up from juniors to Challengers, then to the ATP.

I always thought I could go far, that I could get to where I am or even further, but not so soon.

I don't follow social networking too much, so I didn't really know how much of an impact my performance at the Australian Open had had here in Brazil. But now I understand how much my life has changed.

The kids say I'm their idol. It's crazy for me. Two years ago, I was the one idolizing people."