Fonseca avoids comparisons: "Some say I could be the next 'Guga,' but I want to be Joao"
ATP
Joao Fonseca is preparing to compete at the Argentina Open and addressed comparisons to former world No. 1 Guga Kuerten. The retired Brazilian star held the top ranking for 43 weeks between 2000 and 2001 and won the French Open three times (1997, 2000, 2001).
Kuerten defined an era for Latin American tennis and remains the greatest Brazilian player in history. Fonseca’s recent breakthrough on the ATP Tour has quickly drawn comparisons to the legendary figure from the early 2000s.
Fonseca made a stunning debut at the Australian Open, defeating Andrey Rublev in the first round—his first top-10 victory at just 18 years old. Now, he arrives in Buenos Aires with a new status: a rising star ready to compete against the best.
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During Media Day, Fonseca spoke about how his life has changed in Brazil, where he is now widely recognized. "I was in Brazil last week. I went out, and people stopped me to take pictures. It's difficult, everything is very new.”
“After Australia, I gained a lot of visibility—more people know me now. There are many new things on the outside, but not on the inside. I still have the same goals, always striving for more and following my dream."
The world No. 98 also commented on the comparisons to one of his idols: "Guga is an idol for all Brazilians, not just in tennis. He’s a great person. Today I was told he won the first edition of this tournament. I hope I can win it in the future too,” he said. "I don't like comparisons much. Everyone has their own time and can create their own history. Some Brazilians say I could be the next 'Guga,' but I want to be Joao."
The young star will make his debut this Tuesday against local 8th seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry, marking Fonseca’s return to clay courts. A year ago, at the Rio Open, he made his first big impact on the Tour by defeating Arthur Fils and former champion Cristian Garín on his way to the quarterfinals.
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