Novak Djokovic praises Joao Fonseca amid Brazilian’s impressive Miami Open run: "He's knocking on the door of Sinner and Alcaraz"
ATP
The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic praised young star Joao Fonseca amid the Brazilian’s impressive campaign at the Miami Open. The Serbian remarked that the young Brazilian is already "knocking on the door of Sinner and Alcaraz" but also highlighted other rising stars on the Tour.
Djokovic overcame a third-round challenge against Camilo Ugo Carabelli, advancing to the fourth round of the Miami Open. The Serbian ended a streak of three consecutive losses and has now secured straight-set victories over Rinky Hijikata and Carabelli in Miami.
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After his latest win against the Argentine, Djokovic was asked in a press conference about Fonseca’s remarkable form and rapid rise on the Tour. The Brazilian, World No. 60, also reached the fourth round after eliminating 19th seed Ugo Humbert and is set to face Alex De Minaur this Sunday.
"Well, he's been the talk of the tour in the last several months. I mean, deservedly so. He's a very good tennis player. I mean, so young. Just incredible firepower from both ends of the baseline. Serve. He's a very complete player."
"Of course, what is impressive is the way he strikes the ball, but even more so how he handles the nerves on the court for someone that doesn't have experience at all playing at the highest level," the 6-time Miami Open champion added.
"He's exciting for Brazil, for the world of tennis. I was saying back in Australia, for our tennis ecosystem, our sport, it's super important to have a superstar, future superstar, hopefully coming from Brazil. Such a big country, big market, important. Of course, Miami, I think everyone knew that he was going to have quite a support here."
However, Djokovic pointed out that Fonseca isn’t the only rising star making waves on the Tour. The Serbian also mentioned 19-year-old Jakub Mensik (No. 54), who recently defeated Jack Draper (No. 6) in straight sets in Miami.
"He's not the only one. You have Mensik. Maybe because people talk about Fonseca so much, they forgot about Mensik. They're the same age. Tien, as well. All those players are very young, but they have as good of rankings as he does. They're as good as he."
"Obviously Sinner and Alcaraz are the leaders of today, still very young. But then these guys, it seems like they're knocking on the door of Sinner, Alcaraz in the years to come," he concluded.
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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