Video - "My hands are sweating...": the overwhelming first meeting between Federer and Fonseca before the Laver Cup
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as the start of the Laver Cup approaches, Joao Fonseca, 19, an emerging Brazilian talent, experienced a timeless moment meeting the legend Roger Federer in San Francisco.
"My hands are clammy because I'm about to meet Roger." Fonseca himself stated in an official Laver Cup video.
It's not every day that one feels the nerves of standing before a sports legend. But in that suspended moment, Fonseca got a taste of what it was like. As for Federer, he had nothing but praise for his interlocutor:
"Finally! Delighted, happy to meet you. Congratulations on all you've accomplished so far. Well done on your career," the Swiss told the ATP Tour.
It should be noted that Roger Federer is not playing but his presence is everywhere: co-founder and face of the event, and now a bridge between the past and the future.
