"I haven't realised what I've achieved yet": 17-year-old Joao Fonseca continues incredible Rio Open run against all odds

Joao Fonseca says "I'm living a dream and I haven't realised what I've achieved yet" as his historic run at the Rio Open continued with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Cristian Garin.

Fonseca, competing in only his second ATP level tournament at the main stage, followed up a stunning win against Arthur Fils in the first round with a battling performance against former Rio champion Garin. The teenager doesn't want to stop there. "I wanna keep dreaming," he told ATPTour.com. "I’m really happy with my path up until now but I want more. I’m happy with the way I’ve been playing and how I grew this past year not only technically but also mentally and physically. I can’t thank my team, my family and friends enough.

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Home comforts

Fonseca is playing no more than 10 minutes away from where he spent his childhood. The Brazilian is not an unknown, he won the junior US Open singles title last year and believes the experience he's already built have helped him this week.

“I knew Cristian was an experienced guy, he knows how to face pressure and today I was a bit more tense at the start of the match. But I adapted quickly, kept focused and with the help of the crowd I managed to win," he added.

Fonseca appears to be inspiring his compatriots in Rio this week, with Thiago Monteiro and Thiago Seyboth Wild also reaching the last eight. The 17-year-old will hope to keep his dream run going when he takes on Argentine Mariano Navone on Friday night.

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That family support is everything 🫶   Fonseca’s run continues in Rio 💫   @rioopenoficial | #RioOpen10Anos

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