Joao Fonseca received the NextGen ATP Finals on Sunday evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, beating Learner Tien 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 in a single hour and 27 minutes.
“I used to be actually nervous earlier than the match,” the Brazilian mentioned. “I knew it was going to be so tough. I performed a last in opposition to Learner in juniors (2023 U.S. Open) and I understand how he can play. He’s such a pleasant man and an ideal participant, so I knew it was going to be tough–mentally and bodily. However I received my approach via.”
Fonseca made his approach via the event and not using a single loss. His 3-0 round-robin file contains wins over Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik, previous a semifinal rout of Luca Van Assche. He turns into the third 18-year-old to triumph on the prestigious 20-and-under event, becoming a member of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Each Sinner and Alcaraz, after all, have since climbed to No. 1 on the earth. Fonseca ultimately hopes to do the identical.
“It’s wonderful how I’ve improved bodily and mentally,” he mentioned. “I’ve been very sturdy mentally, successful matches in opposition to High 50, High 20 gamers. I’m pleased with myself, however after all I need extra. My dream is to grow to be No. 1. After all, now after successful (the) NextGen, I need to take pleasure in it this week and chill out and have a good time with my household. I need to benefit from the second and I’m very happy and grateful for this 12 months.”
Different previous NextGen champions embrace Stefanos Tsitsipas and Brandon Nakashima.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
