Joao Fonseca advances to Semi-final after defeating Jakub Mensik at Next Gen ATP Finals

Joao Fonseca knew he already had a guaranteed spot in the semi-finals and would be competing in the final Blue Group encounter at the Next Gen Finals, but he didn't ease up. Once again living up to expectations, Fonseca advanced to the Next Gen ATP Finals by defeating Jakub Mensik in a thrilling five tie-breaker sets match in Jeddah. 

With his victories over Learner Tien and Arthur Fils, Fonseca already had concurred the top spot in the Blue Group and was aware that he would play Luca van Assche in the last four, therefore the match was a dead rubber. After starting the competition as the eighth seed, the 18-year-old won two straight sets to advance to the semifinals. However, he still has to play Jakub Mensik to see if he can finish as the group leader.

After the match, he said, "In any sport, you need to think of today, not of tomorrow. I did my best. That's tennis, that's sport, you need to give your best every day. However, Mensik entered the match without a victory in the event and took an early lead with a superb serve in the opening set." 

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Three for three 🏆

Fonseca gets the better of Mensik and finishes off the group stage undefeated!#NextGenATPFinalspic.twitter.com/yMgn5SmrsS

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 20, 2024

Joao Fonseca second youngest semi-finalist

Even though he needed some care for his upper right arm following the second set, Joao Fonseca is in an excellent shape in Jeddah as he recovered swiftly. Mensik reclaimed the second serve to force a match tiebreak.

Throughout the game, the Brazilian only faced one break point, which he saved, and converted five of his fifteen chances. Fonseca is just one month younger than the 2019 Champion Jannik Sinner, making him the second youngest semi-finalist in the history of the competition.