Stefanos Tsitsipas chooses Joao Fonseca as player of the future: "I see no reason he would under-deliver"

Stefanos Tsitsipas responded to a press conference ahead of the 2025 United Cup and praised the champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals, Joao Fonseca. Tsitsipas, who got to know Fonseca closely, quickly recognized his potential to break into the ATP Tour and compete at the highest level.

The 18-year-old Brazilian stunned in Jeddah by claiming the title as the 8th seed, the last player to qualify. The world No. 145 defeated opponents like Jakub Mensik (No. 48) and Arthur Fils (No. 20) on his way to the title, joining the list of previous winners such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Tsitsipas himself.

Tsitsipas talks Fonseca’s bright future

Tsitsipas will participate in the United Cup this week, joining former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari for the third consecutive year in search of the title. The Greek team will face Spain on December 28, with Jessica Bouza Maneir and Pablo Carreño Busta as the top singles players. Two days later, they will challenge Kazakhstan, led by 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Alexander Shevchenko.

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During his first press conference in Perth, Tsitsipas recalled his encounter with Fonseca earlier this year. "I was talking to him in Halle this year," he said. "We had a few hours together, he was someone I already saw potential in before he won the Next Gen Finals."

"I was sure he was going to be someone that is going to show big results in the upcoming months," added Tsitsipas, the former Next Gen ATP Finals champion. "I'm happy for him, he’s a very humble kid."

"That's what I liked about him. I had a conversation, and I really liked how down-to-earth he is, how determined and focused on his goals. That is something that definitely stood out," Tsitsipas added.

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The world No. 11 further stated that Fonseca has all the potential to rise in the rankings in 2024. "I personally believe it’s just the beginning of him rising up in the rankings and showing his actual true potential," Tsitsipas said. "I think we’re going to see big things from him in the next few years, as long as he stays the same way he is now. I see no reason he would under-deliver."

Tsitsipas' first challenge of the year will be the United Cup, which will be his only preparatory tournament before the Australian Open. He will then travel to Melbourne to compete in the first Grand Slam of the year, where he reached the final in 2023 but lost to Novak Djokovic. The Greek will defend his fourth-round result from 2023, where he fell to Taylor Fritz in four sets.

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