"I almost got it, guys. It’s tough—he has a little bit of skill" - Fonseca jokes about Alcaraz tennis ability after tight defeat

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that it was a great experience to play against touted superstar Joao Fonseca at the Miami Invitational, with the Brazilian also crediting the world number one for having a 'little bit of skill.'

It was the first meeting between the two players. Despite all the hype around them possibly enduring a fantastic rivalry in the future, they were yet to properly test each other in a competitive environment. For now, this is the closest we are going to get to this reality. The contest was competed at the loanDepot Park, the first time a tennis match had been held inside a MLB (baseball) stadium - well second after Amanda Anisimova defeated Jessica Pegula moments beforehand. 

Alcaraz managed to get the better of his opponent on the day, winning 7-5, 2-6, 10-8. It would prove to be a very tight match. Alcaraz looked like he was in control after snatching a late break to clinch the first set but fell away rapidly as Fonseca levelled up to force a 10-point tiebreaker. The experience and class of the six-time Grand Slam champion proved to be enough to get over the line. It is back to winning ways for the Spaniard after losing out to Frances Tiafoe in A Racquet at The Rock in New Jersey just the day before.

After the match, Alcaraz was quick to praise his 19-year-old rival. "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."

It was not to be for Fonseca on the day, who gave it a good shot. "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."  

With Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner currently sharing all the top accolades on the ATP Tour, fans are desperate for another challenger to enter the fray. Fonseca has been touted by many to eventually make that step up to join the greats after an eye-catching first season on the ATP Circuit. He had already impressed many by winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals against Learner Tien.

The most notable standing points are his two titles he won. He disappointed the Argentine crowd to defeat Francisco Cerundolo to win the Argentina Open in straight sets. While that was an ATP 205 event, he would go on to add a 500 title to his catalogue in the Swiss Indoors, compounding more misery on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. This has seen him rise all the way to world number 24, an incredible achievement for his first senior campaign.

He will be looking at an improvement on the big stage, however. He failed to make it past the third round in any Grand Slam or Masters 1000 event competed in, possibly holding him back slightly. This is where the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner excel, specifically in major events with very few coming close to dethroning them.  

Just under a year ago, Fonseca competed in his maiden Grand Slam event in the Australian Open. There he got his first and only top-10 win to date, defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets. More showings like this could set him up well for another terrific run, but the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner may be a step too far for the 19-year-old. This will be found out from January 18 - February 2.