"He has a bit of Jannik and a bit of Carlitos" - Joao Fonseca touted as the next big star on tour by Italian coach

With the ATP Tour set to be dominated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz over the next few years, rising Brazilian ace Joao Fonseca has been identified as a future rival of the dominant duo by Italian coach, Vincenzo Santopadre.

Fonseca is fast becoming a household name following his victory at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. The 18-year old became one of just three players to win the event as a teenager, with the other two being Sinner in 2019 and Alcaraz in 2021.

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It's only a matter of time, says Santopadre

Both Sinner and Alcaraz have reached the peak of the tennis world, with each man holding the World No.1 ranking as well as winning two Grand Slams apiece in 2024. Santopadre believes Fonseca has the potential to reach those two, and could become a rival of the talented duo in a short period of time.

"The next one [2025] won’t be the year of the trinity yet. Two more years, at least. Joao Fonseca, to name one,” said Santopadre to Tuttosport. “[Fonseca has] Talent as far as the eye can see, a sea of ​​talent, and he’s growing, even rapidly. He has a bit of Jannik and a bit of Carlitos.
“But he’s still a child. You can see it in his eyes, you can see it from certain reactions he has on the court. He has a good team, serious people. Give him time, he has to learn everything. If he finishes in the top thirty this year, he’ll be ready for the future leap."

Fonseca is yet to make the main draw of a Grand Slam or win an ATP title. Currently ranked at World No.145, the Brazilian is set to be in action at Australian Open qualifying, which takes place next week.

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