"Even like 10 Brazilians can make the court feel like it has a great atmosphere" - Joao Fonseca lauds passionate fans after saving two match points in dramatic contest

Joao Fonseca is one of the most popular players on the ATP Tour in terms of the crowds he brings to games. The young talent is finally getting a string of matches on the board after a torrid start to 2026 marred by injuries. His biggest coup this year has come against Karen Khachanov in an exhilarating tennis match at Indian Wells.

The Brazilian just nicked it 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 in a crazy match with twists and turns around every corner. While all of this was occurring, he was in awe of the support he received on court. "I mean, the crowd was crazy," he told the Tennis Channel. "It was amazing to see the support out there. It was really, really great. Those are the victories we look for on tour. I saved match points and there were ups and downs, but I got through and fought a lot."

While enjoying the occasion, he still needed to win a tennis match, which did not prove to be easy against a fine opponent. While both players have endured rocky starts to the campaign, it was the 19-year-old who produced the goods, not without any hiccups.

After losing the first set, Fonseca was forced to save two match points in a tense tiebreak. He took his second set point and raced in front in the third and concluding set, going a double-break up at one point before sealing the victory in clinical fashion.

He did escape a perilous situation with those two match points being squandered by Khachanov. "I try to breathe as much as I can and try to stay calm, to keep the same mentality: keep going, put pressure on the return, and keep going for the serve as well," he commented.

"I knew in the third set I had a little opportunity because he was a little bit mad, a little bit angry because of the second set — he had chances. So I played well and made an early break. I probably played really well. I got the second break as well, but then I was broken. But I managed to keep my nerves, so I'm very happy with the way I stayed mentally. It was a pretty good match."

This time last year, Fonseca came to Indian Wells after clinching his first ATP title at the Argentina Open. An early exit in California saw him change route and compete in the Phoenix Challenger. 12 months on and now he is into the third round of the Masters 1000 event for just the third time, has climbed as high as world number 24 in the world and is a touted superstar in the making.

"I think the experience on tour is very important — to understand how it all works," he acknowledged. "The consistency is what changes the top 50 from the top 20: consistency in matches and results. That’s what I’m looking for."

While he did not kick off the year in the fine form expected, he feels that he is getting back to his best with a run of matches on the big stage. "Unfortunately, I didn’t have a great beginning to the year. I was injured and getting my rhythm back. But now I’m feeling confident again and feeling healthy.

He also touched on the differences from him this time last year to now. "I’m very happy because of that. I think Joao from last year and Joao from now is much more mature — knowing the game, knowing the moments of pressure, and knowing how to deal with important points. Also off-court as well. That’s really important and I’m still learning. We keep going and keep learning, and now I’m focusing a lot on the third round."

Ahead of Indian Wells, Fonseca gained a cool $1 million thanks to an afternoon of work. He took down a strong field in the MGM Slam, defeating good friend Reilly Opelka in a close final. He is a regular on the exhibition tour, which is a very lucrative business. However, the main reason is that he enjoys it.

"Yes, it was great. There were so many good players — Gaël Monfils, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Reilly Opelka, who is a big friend of mine, and Casper Ruud, who was world No. 2. It was a fun type of game — very quick. You just get on court and play a tiebreak, which is about 10–15 minutes. But it was a great opportunity to play a little bit in a stadium with those players as well."

The event as held in Las Vegas, a place known for gambling. This was something Fonseca did not partake in. "Unfortunately, I couldn’t play a little bit off-court after my win — the gambling. Thank God. So yeah, keep your money." There is always next time. "Maybe next year. Maybe later next year, because I turn 21 in August. But yeah, it’s okay."

Similar to Filipina Alexandra Eala on the WTA Tour, Fonseca has a huge amount of allies consistently following him to each tournament and cheering him on while overseeing his rapid progress on court. This trend has continued into Indian Wells with the crowd very much wanting Fonseca to triumph.

It was not just the Brazilians cheering him on. "It’s just very good. I love their support. It’s not only Brazilians — there are a lot of Brazilians and they’re loud. Even like 10 Brazilians can make the court feel like it has a great atmosphere. But there were also people from other countries shouting as well, and that’s what makes the sport nicer."

This is something that he will not get tired of quickly. "I’m just very grateful for everyone who is on court calling my name, shouting and supporting — even when I was 6–4 down in that tiebreak. I’m very happy, and for sure they helped me to win this match today," he concluded.