From Miami to Sao Paulo: Alcaraz and Fonseca set for blockbuster Brazil rematch

The World No. 1 has officially committed to a new exhibition match alongside the Brazilian star, whom he faced in Miami just a few weeks ago, where the Spaniard claimed victory.

Curiously, the backdrop for this duel will be a football stadium: the Allianz Parque, home of Palmeiras in Sao Paulo. The match is scheduled for December 12, 2026. It will serve as a rematch of the "Miami Invitational" held recently, which also featured Americans Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula.

The first duel between Alcaraz and Fonseca took place at LoanDepot Park, the baseball stadium of the Miami Marlins. That event featured a unique seating arrangement after the stadium was adapted into a court in a corner of the baseball field. Once again, the new venue will require exclusive modifications to install a professional tennis court and temporary seating for the stands.

For the moment, Alcaraz and Fonseca have not faced each other on the ATP Tour, though given the Brazilian's rapid rise, it wouldn't be surprising if they met officially very soon. At 22 years old, Alcaraz sits at World No. 1, while the 19-year-old Fonseca has climbed to No. 24.

The Brazilian teenager will arrive at the Australian Open seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time, following a remarkable season in which he rose from World No. 113 at the start of the year. His breakout season included winning two titles: the ATP 250 Argentina Open and the ATP 500 Swiss Indoors in Basel.

In their previous duel in Miami, Alcaraz secured the win in a tightly contested match that went to a third-set tie-break, finishing 7-5, 2-6, [10-8].

The Spanish 6-time major champion praised his rival immediately after the match. "Well, it was really, really special. Playing with Joao—I had never played with him or against him before—so this was the first time, in this beautiful scenario," he stated. "I’ve never played in a baseball stadium before, so it was really special. Coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people, they always bring great energy. It’s always a great opportunity and a very special moment."

On the other side of the net, Fonseca extended his praise to Alcaraz, thanking him for the opportunity to face the best player of the moment. "Yeah, I almost got it, guys. It’s tough—he has a little bit of skill," he said with a smile. "The guy’s good, the guy’s really good. So it’s a pleasure being here. It’s a pleasure playing against Carlos, and the mixed doubles as well. So yeah, it’s just a pleasure being here, and I’m very, very thankful to Carlos. And congratulations."

Fonseca currently has three career meetings against Top-10 players, coming away with a victory against Andrey Rublev (No. 9) in the first round of the Australian Open a year ago, while suffering defeats to Jack Draper (No. 5) at Roland Garros in May, and Taylor Fritz (No. 5) at the Eastbourne International in June.