Nick Kyrgios stuns Joao Fonseca to silence Rio crowd and reach UTS Final Four
ATPSaturday, 18 July 2026 at 05:30
Nick Kyrgios produced one of his sharpest performances since returning to competitive tennis, sweeping aside home favourite Joao Fonseca to book his place in the UTS Rio Final Four in front of a stunned Maracanãzinho crowd.
The Australian needed just 37 minutes to defeat the Brazilian sensation 3-0 (16-11, 17-10, 19-11), winning every quarter in a dominant display after Fonseca had entered the match full of confidence following his opening victory earlier in the day.
Fonseca had thrilled the home fans by recovering from a heavy first-quarter deficit to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 3-1 and reach the Melee stage. But against Kyrgios, the 19-year-old never found the answers as the Australian controlled the biggest moments with his serve and trademark shot-making.
The victory also represented a remarkable turnaround for Kyrgios, who had been beaten by Brazilian teenager Guto Miguel on the opening day after a Sudden Death decider. Twenty-four hours later, the former Wimbledon finalist looked far more comfortable in the fast-paced UTS format.
Kyrgios too strong for Brazilian star
Kyrgios dictated the contest from the opening points, winning all three quarters while converting each of his three bonus cards. He outscored Fonseca 52-32 overall and rarely allowed the Brazilian crowd favourite to build momentum.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Fonseca refused to make excuses after the match. "Nick played better for sure, better in the important points, and he has a good serve. I think he fits well in this format."
The teenager also acknowledged the atmosphere generated by the home supporters, while admitting some of the chants directed against Kyrgios made him uncomfortable.
"The support the crowd gives me is spectacular. Wherever I go there are Brazilians cheering for me – that affection is really special, and it motivates me to keep going," the former Wimbledon runner-up added. "I'm not gonna take his merit away. Nick played better than me. And for sure we entertained the crowd."
'The crowd was my friend'
Kyrgios, meanwhile, said he had found a much higher level than the one he showed on Thursday, when he lost to Guto Miguel.
"I played really well today. I know what I was playing for – that's the beauty of this sport. One day you lose, the next day you have another chance to go out there and showcase what you can do. Today I served incredible."
Far from being intimidated by a partisan Brazilian crowd, Kyrgios said he embraced the hostile environment. "The crowd was my friend, actually. I always love playing in enemy territory – this is what I dreamed of as a kid, watching players go out there on their own with no one to hide behind."
Despite the defeat, Fonseca's appearance generated one of the loudest atmospheres seen on the UTS Tour, with the local fans turning every one of his matches into a spectacle.
Final Four confirmed
Kyrgios advances to Saturday's Final Four alongside Brazilian teenager Guto Miguel, Francisco Cerúndolo and Brandon Nakashima.
Miguel topped the Melee standings after defeating both Kyrgios and Nakashima, continuing the fairy-tale run that has made the 17-year-old one of the stories of the tournament.
For Fonseca, the defeat brings an early end to his first UTS appearance. After opening with an impressive comeback victory over Griekspoor, the Brazilian's hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil were halted by an inspired Kyrgios, who reminded fans why he remains one of the most dangerous shot-makers in the sport whenever he finds his rhythm.
UTS Rio Final Four
| Player | Record | Quarter Differential | Status |
| Guto Miguel | 2-0 | +2 | Qualified |
| Nick Kyrgios | 1-1 | +2 | Qualified |
| Francisco Cerundolo | 1-1 | +1 | Qualified |
| Brandon Nakashima | 1-1 | +1 | Qualified |
| Cameron Norrie | 1-1 | -1 | Eliminated |
| Tallon Griekspoor | 1-1 | -1 | Eliminated |
| Joao Fonseca | 1-1 | -1 | Eliminated |
| Corentin Moutet | 0-2 | -3 | Eliminated |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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