"This was very good": Joao Fonseca 'happy' to cement place in final of ATP Challengers event

Brazil’s Joao Fonseca has expressed his excitement after cementing his place in the final of the ATP Challengers event. The 18-year-old, who is already regarded as the one for the future, is having a bit up and down of a season.

Fonseca started the 2025 season brilliantly as he defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3, 7-6. His celebrations were short-lived, as he was knocked out of the event after losing in the second round.

Read also

Joao Fonseca returns to ATP Challenger level with Struff scalp to reach Quarter-Finals

Fonseca then lifted the Argentina Open after beating local favourite Francisco Cerundolo in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-6. His most recent appearance before coming for the Challengers event was at the ATP 1000 event at the Indian Wells where he was knocked out after losing to Britain’s Jack Draper in the second round in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-0.

Fonseca has now cemented his place in the final of the ATP Challengers event in Phoenix after beating the former world number four Kei Nishikori in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3. Talking after the match, Fonseca stated that it was a ‘pleasure’ to face a player of Nishikori’s quality. The youngster also stated that he was ‘happy to win’ the contest.

Read also

Joao Fonseca returns to Challengers event after disappointing outing at Indian Wells

“First of all, it was just a pleasure to share the court with Kei,” said Fonseca. “Amazing player, amazing athlete, really nice person. Just very happy with the way I managed to win today, going for my shots aggressively, making him uncomfortable during the match. We say in Portuguese, ‘closing the doors’, not letting him believe that he can win. Having a break and serving well, staying with the break, this was very good. Happy to win.” Fonseca will now face Alexander Bublik in the final of the competition on Sunday. The 27-year-old defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the semifinal of the competition in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe