“Let’s take advantage of Joao Fonseca’s hype”: How World Cup champion Ronaldo Nazario found inspiration for a massive tennis investment

Former Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has pointed to the rising success of João Fonseca following a major investment in tennis courts across Brazil, highlighting the 18-year-old star’s growing influence in developing the next generation of players. Fonseca’s talent has sparked significant interest, not just among fans but also investors, positioning him as a central figure in Brazil’s tennis future.

The 2002 World Cup winner has long expressed his love for tennis and has been spotted at some of the sport’s most important events. For example, he attended this year’s Madrid Open final between Jack Draper and Casper Ruud, training alongside renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou—who has worked with Serena Williams, Grigor Dimitrov, and Naomi Osaka—and interacting with top players like Gael Monfils during the Miami Open. Ronaldo’s involvement goes beyond fandom; he is actively working to nurture tennis in Brazil, with Fonseca as a key focus.

“Let’s take advantage of João Fonseca’s hype; he has given hope to the Brazilian people in tennis," he said in an interview with Uol Brazil. "We grew up watching Guga win everything, and it has always been an elitist sport. So, we want to popularize it, bring it to communities, and make the sport more democratic,” Ronaldo said. His words underline the potential Fonseca represents—not only as a rising talent but as a figure capable of inspiring a cultural shift in Brazilian sports.

Tennis is currently on the rise in Brazil, and Fonseca’s emergence coincides with increased visibility and investment in the sport. Ronaldo has committed to supporting tennis and padel over the next three years, stating, “Tennis is very much on the rise. I’ve been playing tennis for a long time, I’m passionate about tennis and padel. There’s no pressure from fans invading the training center, no madness like in football. I will invest a lot in these two sports in the next three years.”

The 19-year-old star has enjoyed a breakthrough season that has rapidly elevated his profile on the ATP Tour, making him perhaps the most visible face of tennis’s next generation. While some still see Fonseca as a prospect, his results already prove he is a reality. Earlier this year, he scored his first win over a top-10 opponent, captured his maiden title at the Argentina Open, and surged up the rankings to reach World No. 42 by this stage of the season.

Fonseca’s explosive style of play has been a major talking point among fans and analysts alike. His fearless shot-making and charisma have earned him comparisons with past greats, while also setting him apart from his peers. Even though he has yet to consistently challenge the very top players, expectations around his future are soaring. Every tournament he enters feels like another step toward cementing himself as one of tennis’s brightest young stars.

Fonseca has also shown maturity beyond his years when it comes to managing his schedule. Recently, he surprised many by deciding to skip the entire Asian swing of the tour, including the Shanghai Masters, to focus his energy on the crucial final stretch of the season in Europe. Instead, he will prepare for tournaments like the European Open in Antwerp and the Basel Open, before heading to the Paris Masters, the final ATP Masters 1000 of the calendar.