Don't forget his name 🤩 Joao Fonseca records his first ATP Tour victory at home against Fils 6-0 6-4. 🇧🇷 @RioOpenOficial | #RioOpen10Anos
Breakout star incoming? Touted teenager Joao Fonseca thumps Arthur Fils at Rio Open, backed by Roger Federer's ON brand
ATPThursday, 22 February 2024 at 13:00
Teenager Joao Fonseca, a player sponsored by Roger Federer's company 'On', has stunned the tennis world to become the first player born in 2006 to win a main draw ATP match.
Fonseca beat Frenchman Arthur Fils, ranked 44th in the world, in the first round of the Rio Open 6-0 6-4 to the delight of a home crowd to make history. The 17-year-old is competing as a wildcard in only his second ATP level tournament. "I am so happy. It couldn't be better than this to get my first win 10 minutes away from my house and with all my friends, all my family watching," said Fonseca post-match.
"It's very special and let's go for another one in the second round. I was focused on making every ball. Obviously I was nervous, I was shaking, but I wanted so much to win, I made it." The Brazilian has now risen over 200 places into to the top 450 in the ATP rankings and will have a chance to create another shock when he takes on former Rio champion Cristian Garin on Thursday evening.
Fonseca caught the eye of Federer, who is a shareholder in 'On' and one of its ambassadors due to his status, at the end of last year after winning the boys' singles title at the US Open. As well as up and coming talent, 'On' also represents some of the best players in the sport, such as current women's World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and US Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton - who won his first ATP title in Japan last October.
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