Joao Fonseca Makes History at Next Gen ATP Finals
Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca, 18, clinched the Next Gen ATP Finals title with a thrilling victory over American Learner Tien in Jeddah. Fonseca triumphed 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2, marking a perfect week at the prestigious under-21 tournament.
This championship match was the third encounter between the two rising stars, with Fonseca, seeded 8th, having already bested 5th-seeded Tien in the group stages. Despite a rocky start, losing the first set 4-2, Fonseca showcased remarkable resilience.
He fought back fiercely in the second set, edging out Tien in a nail-biting tiebreak 10-8. Riding on the momentum, the lowest-ranked player in the tournament dominated the third set, winning 4-0 without dropping a point on his serve.
Fonseca sealed his historic win in the fourth set, becoming the first Brazilian to capture the Next Gen ATP title and the second-youngest champion after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in 2019.
“I wasn’t playing my best at the start. I was too nervous,” Fonseca admitted after the match. “But after I won the second set, then the third, things started to change. I became more aggressive with my shots, and I think he became more restricted. In the fourth set, I just gave it my all and got the win.”
Reflecting on his achievement, he added, “I need to believe in myself when I go into a tournament. This is just unreal. I’m so proud of myself.”
Reference(s):
18-year-old Fonseca becomes first Brazilian to win Next Gen ATP title
cgtn.com
