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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Rising tennis talent João Fonseca wrapped up an “unbelievable week” by securing a straight sets win against Francisco Cerúndolo in the final of the Argentina Open on Sunday, marking his first title at the tour level.
At just 18 years old, the Brazilian, who claimed victory at the Next Gen ATP Finals in December, triumphed over his Argentine rival with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (1), all on the clay courts.
The atmosphere during the ATP 250 event was electric, reminiscent of a fierce Argentina vs. Brazil soccer clash, as local fans in Buenos Aires came out in support.
“This was just an unbelievable week for me,” Fonseca expressed, recalling his first-round victory against ninth-ranked Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open in January. He is already setting his sights on the future.
“Of course I aspire to be No. 1, and I aim to win Slams and titles,” he continued, “but my dream is simply to play tennis, and I am truly living it.”
With this win, Fonseca has made history as the first player born in 2006 or later to earn an ATP trophy, ranking him as the 10th youngest champion ever in the ATP Tour and the youngest South American winner since the tour’s inception in 1990.
Following his victory, Fonseca is set to climb to No. 68 in the ATP rankings on Monday.
One of his foreseeable competitors, Carlos Alcaraz, a 21-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion, praised Fonseca’s accomplishment: “Impressive, Joao,” he noted on social media.
Andy Murray, a former player and three-time Grand Slam winner, also took to social media to highlight the potential rivalry: “Can’t wait for the first Fonseca vs Alcaraz match,” he remarked.
Boris Becker, a former world No. 1, expressed excitement as well, saying, “Watch this young man from Brazil. The sky is the limit…”
Next week, Fonseca will compete at the Rio Open, an ATP 500 event held in his home country. He made it to the quarterfinals last year.
His opening match will be against Frenchman Alexandre Muller, who is currently ranked 58th, with their encounter set for Tuesday.
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