“You’re going to be the man soon”: John McEnroe predicts Joao Fonseca’s quick ascent

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 20:04

Praise keeps pouring in for Joao Fonseca after seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe compared the Brazilian to Carlos Alcaraz. The 18-year-old star made headlines last month by winning the Next Gen ATP Finals title, but his big breakthrough came on Tuesday night when he defeated Andrey Rublev.

Fonseca has now achieved a 14-match winning streak and secured his first victory against a top-10 player. This is Fonseca's debut appearance in a Grand Slam main draw, yet McEnroe predicts a swift rise to the top, likening him to world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

Fonseca marks his Grand Slam arrival with McEnroe’s endorsement

The Spaniard has set a precedent for youthful dominance on the ATP Tour, becoming the youngest world No. 1 in history at 19 years and 18 weeks old. Alcaraz also holds several records, including being the youngest to win Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces and the youngest Olympic finalist.

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A few years ago, Alcaraz was seen as a future star, but he quickly became a dominant force in men’s tennis. McEnroe expects a similar trajectory for Fonseca, stating tha he ‘can’t believe how good he is.’

“I only started hearing about him last year, so I just saw him pretty recently. At the Next Gen Finals in Riyadh, I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ But what really opened my eyes was that first-round match against Rublev,” said the former world No. 1.

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“He made Rublev look like he wasn’t hitting a big ball. He’s totally composed and physically – at 18 years old – he already looks as strong as an ox. Mentally, he seems really tough,” McEnroe added. “He’s hit the hardest forehand of the tournament already. He’s got nothing to prove there. He even nailed a few sweet two-handers.”

“When I see him, I see the next Carlos Alcaraz. I can’t believe how good this guy is already,” added the four-time US Open champion. “He just needs a bit more experience. I can’t believe how good he is. I don’t think there’s much to fix—just point him in the right direction and give him a pat on the back."

John McEnroe is a BIG fan of Joao Fonseca... and dubs him 'the next Carlos Alcaraz' 😲🌟#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/eCAz12trqn
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 15, 2025

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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