Kuerten on Fonseca: "He's very motivating, a source of inspiration".

João Fonseca made his mark at the start of the 2025 season.

After winning the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, the 18-year-old Brazilian played and won his first match in a Grand Slam main draw against Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open, a tournament at the end of which he broke into the top 100.

During the South American clay-court tour, Fonseca continued his impressive progress by winning his first ATP title at the Buenos Aires tournament, where he defeated Etcheverry, Coria, Navone, Djere and Cerundolo in the final (four wins against Argentine players in five matches).

Fonseca was showered with praise after his outstanding week. Brazilian tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, three-time winner of the French Open, spoke of his young compatriot, who is beginning to make a name for himself on the main circuit.

"On the Monday after his final, I was so excited that I said to myself: 'I'm back on the court'. What a thrill, what a pleasure!

It was a kind of therapy for me, a sensational workout. João is a great motivator and an inspiration.

João's potential on the court has been evident for over two years, and it's the result of a lot of hard work, which goes far beyond the simple kid who hits the ball with enormous strength.

It's the work, effort and dedication of the many people who have been there to support him, and who have shown an extraordinary capacity for evolution.

João is wonderful, a force to be reckoned with. It was beautiful, admirable, to see all his matches in Buenos Aires, to see him face physical and mental difficulties and then win the tournament at this age", he assured Clay.