Joao Fonseca after winning the Next Gen title: 'I want to become number 1 in the world' | ATP tour

Match response

Just the beginning for Fonseca?: 'I want to become number 1 in the world'

Brazilian becomes second-youngest Next Gen champion in tournament history

December 22, 2024

Joao Fonseca joined an illustrious company by triumphing at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF on Sunday. The Brazilian joined Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as the only 18-year-olds to win the event and was buzzing from ear to ear after his four-set final victory against Learner Tien. Fonseca was proud of his unbeaten run in Jeddah but insisted it was just the beginning.

“If you told Joao at the beginning of the year that he did everything he did this year, he would love it,” Fonseca said. “It's amazing how much I've improved physically and mentally. I have been very strong mentally and have won matches against players from the Top 50 and Top 20. I am proud of myself, but of course I want more. My dream is to become number 1. Now that I've won Next Gen, I obviously want to enjoy it this week and relax and celebrate with my family. I want to enjoy the moment and I am very happy and grateful for this year.”

Fonseca started the season outside the Top 700 in the PIF ATP Rankings but ends 2024 at No. 145 after showing a great competitive spirit as he advanced to the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 in Rio de Janiero in February. event. His opening round victory that week against Arthur Fils was his first tour-level win.

Fonseca's winning mentality was on display all week in Jeddah, where he defeated top seed Fils and third seed Jakub Mensik in five sets in Blue Group play. He then crucially saved one set point in the final against Tien to avoid falling two sets behind.

“I talk to my coach that I like to play big games in difficult conditions,” said Fonseca. “I like playing against the big boys. I love it when I have a difficult match in a big stadium. I like the pressure. I belong in the tennis arena where you have to be brave, where you have to go for the shot. I think I have improved a lot.”

Since Sinner (2019) and Alcaraz won the event, the Italian and Spaniard have both won multiple majors and risen to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Fonseca thinks he can do the same.

“It's a good pressure,” said Fonseca, who also won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in 2024 (Lexington). “By winning Next Gen it shows that I am on the right track. I hope I can do the same or even better than what they have done, are doing and will do. I'm looking forward to playing with them and I hope I can compete in big matches at Grand Slams. It's where I want to go.”

Learn more about Fonseca

Fonseca was supported by lively fans all week at King Abduallah Sports City. The 18-year-old loved the hustle and bustle in Jeddah all week.

“It was great all week. Seeing people from other countries cheering for you. People don't have to cheer for me, but they do,” Fonseca said. “I am very happy with that. I love to entertain. At important moments I need help from the audience I am trying to entertain. It was nice to see Brazilian fans here too. There was a group here all week. It was great to see them cheering for me and the country.”

Fonseca grew up playing tennis. The Brazilian attended the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro when he was younger and often waited courtside to get autographs. Now Fonseca is the one signing his name for fans and inspiring the next generation.

“Three years ago I was the one asking for autographs and now kids are asking me and I have to get used to it,” Fonseca said. “When I walk in Rio, sometimes a kid asks for my autograph and that's crazy. It's really nice that I inspire children to play tennis.”