Boris Becker’s bold prediction: Joao Fonseca to surprise at the Australian Open - "Just a terrific player"
ATP
Boris Becker made Joao Fonseca his bold prediction for the Australian Open. The 6-time Grand Slam champion named the Brazilian teenager as the surprise for the first major of the year.
The 18-year-old from Brazil enters the tournament on a 13-match winning streak, having won five matches at the Next Gen ATP Finals, five more at the Challenger in Canberra last week, and three matches in the qualifiers this week to secure his spot in the main draw. Fonseca only dropped an average of four games per match in the qualifying rounds.
Fonseca is adapting quickly to the Tour after finishing 2024 as the junior world No. 1. The Brazilian triumphed at the Next Gen ATP Finals undefeated, beating players like Arthur Fils (No. 20) and Jakub Mensik (No. 48). Fonseca is now preparing for his Grand Slam main draw debut, facing none other than Andrey Rublev (No. 9).
The former world No. 1 Boris Becker recently commented on his bold prediction for the Australian Open on the podcast he hosts with Andre Petkovic. The German had no doubt in picking the rising young star as a possible revelation of the tournament.
"May I tell you my dark horse for the men’s side? He made it through the qualifiers and I’ve been a great admirer of his craft ever since I got to know him during a training session in Turin a year and a half ago. Joao Fonseca,” said Boris Becker. “I think he is fantastic. The way he plays and his statements, just a terrific player."
The former German tennis player believes Rublev will have to bring his best game to defeat the 18-year-old: “The Russian will have to play his best tennis to beat this ambitious young Brazilian. But my dark horse, I’m sticking with it, is Fonseca,” Becker added.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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