Alexander Zverev advises Jaoo Fonseca on breaking into the top 20: “There's still a long process

Alexander Zverev acknowledged that he spoke with Joao Fonseca about the challenging process of making the leap to the top level and becoming a top-20 player. The German knows what it’s like to have a rapid breakthrough on the Tour, as he was already in the top 20 at just 19 years old and a top-5 player by 20.

Undoubtedly, Zverev is one of the players who understands what it’s like to go from being relatively unknown to one of the favourites in every tournament he plays, and Fonseca seems to be on a similar path.

Read also

Joao Fonseca silences the local crowd and wins his first ATP 250 title against Francisco Cerundolo

Recently, the Brazilian claimed his first ATP title at just 18 years old, defeating Francisco Cerúndolo in Sunday’s Argentina Open final. The teenager had already made headlines at the Australian Open by upsetting world No. 9 Andrey Rublev, as well as winning the Next Gen ATP Finals a month earlier.

Zverev is preparing to compete in the Rio Open, where he will be the top seed following his quarter-final exit at the Argentina Open against Cerúndolo. ‘Sascha’ spoke about his young colleague in a press conference and shared that they had discussed his journey.

Read also

Jannik Sinner’s suspension: What it means for Alcaraz and Zverev’s ATP Rankings?

"I talk to him quite a bit. There's still a long process in becoming top 20, competing for Masters, for Grand Slams. He's doing all the right things, playing tennis the right way. Time will tell, but he has everything to be a very good player."

Zverev will debut against China’s Yunchaokete Bu on Monday at the Rio Open, while Fonseca is set to face France’s Alexandre Müller on Tuesday.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe